Brendon Hartley, Toro Rosso, Silverstone, 2018

Hartley’s crash reminded him of Buemi’s 2010 shunt

2018 British Grand Prix

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Brendon Hartley says his suspension failure during practice reminded him of Sebastien Buemi’s similar crash in China eight years ago.

The front-left suspension broke on Hartley’s car as he approached Brooklands during final practice. He crashed heavily and was unable to take part in qualifying.

Hartley admitted he was reminded of Buemi’s double suspension failure during practice at the Shanghai International Circuit in 2010.

“It did cross my mind actually,” said Hartley in response to a question from RaceFans. “It’s funny how things slow down when you’re going towards a wall.”

Hartley added he’d discussed the crash with Buemi, his former World Endurance Championship rival. “I’ve watched it many times. I remember it quite well watching it on TV.”

Today’s similar failure happened instantaneously with no prior warning, said Hartley. “I didn’t hit any kerbs or there was no vibrations beforehand,” he explained.

“The moment that I hit the brake pedal – which is probably some of the highest forces the suspension sees, we pull around 5G when we hit the brake pedal – something at that very moment broke. Obviously, I tried to fight the car and slow it down as much as I could. But I hit the wall pretty hard.”

The crash is the latest in a series of setbacks for Hartley. “I’m not really a believer in luck or superstition but, yeah, I’ve had a series of unfortunate events and not all have been my fault,” he said. “This was obviously completely out of my control. It’s frustrating.”

The FIA confirmed Hartley is fit to take part in tomorrow’s race and will be allowed to start despite not taking part in qualifying

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7 comments on “Hartley’s crash reminded him of Buemi’s 2010 shunt”

  1. Buemi’s accident is one of my top 3 most memorable incidents in F1 that I’ve seen live. Although nothing will ever top Webber’s loop the loop.

    1. Both his loop the loops, actually. Although I didn’t see his 1999 one live.

    2. Both his loop the loops, actually. Although I didn’t see his 1999 one live.

    3. I don’t know man- Burti kissing the tirewall at blanchimont was downright scary

      1. @mrboerns
        Or Kubica disassembling his car (and almost himself) after hitting that wall in mid-air in Montreal …

  2. This incident is reminiscent to Kimi’s one at Nurburgring in 2005 as well.

    1. @jerejj id say it is more like Firman in Brazil as it was obvious kimi’s would go at some point

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