Yuki Tsunoda Recounts Terrifying Imola F1 Crash: 'Feared My Body Would Fall Apart'

Yuki Tsunoda opened up about his terrifying multi-flip accident during Q1 of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, admitting he feared his "body was going to fall apart" from the impact.

Why it matters:

Tsunoda's candid recount highlights the extreme forces F1 drivers endure in high-speed crashes and the remarkable safety advancements that prevent serious injury, even in spectacular incidents.

The details:

• During Q1, Tsunoda misjudged the second chicane, carrying excessive speed into the gravel trap.
• The momentum propelled his car into the catch-fencing, causing it to flip multiple times before landing upright.
• His RB21 was completely destroyed in the process.
• Tsunoda vividly remembers the entire sequence, including seeing tires fly off, but remarkably reported no neck pain or other injuries.
• He confirmed, "I thought my body was going to fall apart, both right and left... my neck was completely fine, and I went racing the next day."

The big picture:

• Despite the severity of the crash, Tsunoda was cleared to race from the pit lane the very next day.
• He went on to score a point with a 10th-place finish at Imola, one of only four points finishes he has secured for Red Bull to date.
• His future in F1 beyond 2026 remains a subject of speculation.