Martin Donnelly to Drive at Adelaide Motorsport Festival Decades After Career-Ending Crash

Martin Donnelly, the former Lotus driver who survived a life-threatening crash at the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix, is set to drive a Formula 1 car again at the upcoming Adelaide Motorsport Festival. This appearance marks a poignant return for Donnelly, who missed the opportunity to race in Adelaide originally due to the accident that abruptly ended his career.

Why it matters:

Donnelly's return to the cockpit is a testament to his resilience and serves as a powerful narrative in F1 history. His participation not only highlights the evolution of safety in the sport but also bridges the gap between past eras and modern fans, particularly following his recent advisory role in the Hollywood film F1.

The details:

• The Crash: During practice for the 1990 Spanish GP, a suspension failure at 260km/h caused his Lotus to split in half, ejecting him 60 meters. He suffered severe injuries but survived after weeks on life support.
• Hollywood Connection: The incident inspired the backstory for Brad Pitt's character in the upcoming F1 movie. Donnelly assisted with filming and advised Pitt on safety rituals, describing the recreation of his crash as a "reality check."
• The Drive: Donnelly will pilot the Hesketh 308, the car that launched James Hunt's career and appeared in the film Rush.
• Star Lineup: He joins icons like Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, and Valtteri Bottas at the event.

Looking ahead:

The 2026 Repco Adelaide Motorsport Festival will offer fans a rare chance to see Donnelly back in action. It closes the loop on a career cut short and celebrates the enduring spirit of motorsport.