A multi-car crash on the opening lap of the Formula 3 race at the Spanish Grand Prix sent Maciej Gładysz's car flying through the air before it collided with the trackside fence. The ART Grand Prix driver crashed shortly after the race got underway on Saturday afternoon at Madring Sur.
Collision triggers pile-up
Enzo Deligny and Bruno del Pino, both driving for Van Amersfoort Racing, collided on the opening lap and went into the fence. Seconds later, Gładysz went airborne and could not prevent his car from hitting the other vehicles, creating a multi-car pile-up on the first lap.
The FIA and Formula 3 later confirmed that all drivers involved in the crash were okay.
Red flag and delay
A red flag was raised immediately, and there was a lengthy delay while stewards cleared the track and debris. The race resumed at 6.35pm local time after a delay of around 30 minutes.
Besides Gładysz and Deligny, Fernando Barrichello, Nicola Lacorte, Jose Garfias and Michael Shin were unable to continue the race as a result of the crash.
Standings and build-up
Freddie Slater entered the race leading the F3 standings, competing with Ugo Ugochukwu, with 12 points separating the pair. Neither driver was involved in the crash and both were able to continue racing.
The Formula 3 race serves as the build-up to the main event on Sunday, when the Formula 1 championship resumes on the same track. Lando Norris secured pole position for Sunday's race by finishing fastest in qualifying, ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who starts second. Max Verstappen starts third, with Lewis Hamilton fourth and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc fifth.
