The Ferrari mechanic run over by Räikkönen suffers from a tibia-fibula fracture
Kimi Räikkönen's second pit stop turned into a disaster. The mechanic hit by the Finn's wheel was quickly taken to the hospital: conscious, he is nonetheless suffering from a tibia-fibula fracture.
The image chilled the observers to the bone. In the race for the podium, Kimi Räikkönen was making his second pit stop on the 36th lap of the 2018 Bahrain Grand Prix. Released too early, the 2007 world champion drove off while one of his mechanics was still tightening the left rear wheel of the Italian car. The driver ran over the unlucky mechanic’s left leg, causing him to fall heavily to the ground.
Stopped about twenty meters further, the damage was done for Kimi Räikkönen, with this retirement; and especially for the mechanic, immediately transported to the hospital in Manama. The diagnosis is already known: a tibia-fibula fracture.
Asked about this accident, the Scuderia driver confirmed that he had nevertheless followed the usual procedure.
« I did indeed start at the green light. My job is to start as soon as the light turns green. I didn’t see what happened and unfortunately, I injured him. Fortunately, he seems to be okay. »
After Sebastian Vettel’s victory, Scuderia Ferrari did not fail to dedicate the win to the injured mechanic.
« On the track, Bottas chased Sebastian for twenty laps. But our driver never gave up his chance, even though his tires were worn out. This is the spirit of Ferrari, and this victory, Francesco, is for you. Get well soon! »
That being said, this accident was already the second of the weekend on that side of the Ferrari garage. Kimi Räikkönen had already been forced to stop in FP2 after a poorly attached wheel during a pit stop. The FIA could this time take a penalty against the incident.
Bahrain Grand Prix – A win for Francesco. #BahrainGP #ForzaFerrari https://t.co/koivyoNF9T
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 8, 2018
