Correa makes first public comments since Spa crash

Formula 2

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Juan Manuel Correa had made his first public comments since the crash at Spa 33 days ago which claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert and left Correa with serious leg injuries.

Correa underwent a 17-hour operation on his legs on Sunday. The 20-year-old said a full recovery from his injuries remains “uncertain” and said he is prepared for a long rehabilitation.

“These past few weeks have been extremely tough, tougher than anything I have ever faced both physically and mentally,” said Correa.

“I understand my future regarding the recovery of my legs, specifically my right leg is still quite uncertain, and that my physical rehab will be extremely long and complicated.”

Correa added his thanks for the support he has received since the crash during the Formula 2 feature race supporting the Belgian Grand Prix.

“I am still processing everything that has, and is, happening,” he said. “I want to thank every single person who one way or another has shown me their support.

“I am humbled by the immense number of caring and affectionate messages I have received. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and know that your encouragement and positivity have made a difference.”

A statement issued by Correa’s family confirmed the goal of Sunday’s operation was “to reconstruct his lower right extremity,” after Correa previously turned down the option of amputation.

“Doctors performed a combination of orthopedic flap and external fixation surgeries, and after 17 hours in the operating room, the 20-year-old emerged with hopeful news from doctors that the surgery was successful,” said the statement from the family.

“The days following the surgery were stressful, as though deemed a success in the operating room, the next 48-72 hours were critical in the final outcome of the flap surgery procedure.”

“More than 72 hours later, doctors are confident in a successful procedure while still under careful observation,” the statement continued.

“During the procedure, doctors were forced to remove more bone material than they anticipated and solve several blood vessel issues, but state that the main objective of the surgery was achieved. Juan Manuel remains in a London hospital, and he is scheduled for one additional, less complex surgery in two weeks’ time.

“Doctors expect Juan Manuel will be able to leave the hospital in approximately six weeks. He will then embark on the road to recovery. The next year will be full of physical therapy, rehabilitation and corrective surgeries with the aim and objective of regaining the full use of his right foot and ankle.”

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    Keith Collantine
    Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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    21 comments on “Correa makes first public comments since Spa crash”

    1. Wish him well. Am I being heartless here to wonder why in quite a lengthy statement there is not one mention of Hubert?

      1. Some things don’t need to be said. Everyone knows.

      2. No, I though exaxtly the same thing.

      3. They have mentioned him in previous statements.

        1. But this is as the title suggests ”Correa’s first public comment”. His words, not anyone elses. I was expecting at least a few words about it.

          1. So because YOU expect it and it wasn’t done, he made an error. WOW !! some people

      4. Because the article wasn’t about Hubert?

      5. What needed to be said has been said by his family, and by Correa himself in the days immediately following his accident.

        While there will be times it is appropriate (e.g. on an anniversary of the accident, give an update on Correa’s progress, and express sympathy for Hubert), I don’t think every statement from Correa or his family needs to be juxtaposed with a statement about Hubert.

      6. Correa doesn’t owe the public anything – the fact he is even addressing the media at all should be enough. If he has any comments about Hubert’s death then that’s between him and Hubert’s family.

        The public/press always forget that it’s a privilege, not a right, to speak to these guys – especially someone like Correa who has had more than enough to think about.

      7. Given what he has been through, I would say its not an issue.

    2. I am comparing this impact to the Zanardi crash in 2001. Patrick Carpentier, who pierced Zanardi’s car in a similar fashion but at an arguably higher speed, walked away uninjured. Why was this year’s accident much more severe in its consequences to Correa?

      1. Probably the point of collision was different. I think Zanardis’s car was hit more to the nose. Maybe f1 cars are tougher than Indy cars.

        1. IndyCar’s have always been built to withstand super fast / high G impacts on ovals (one third of the season) and are more robust than F1 cars. Carpentier t-boned Zanardi going about 215 mph and cut right through him. The nose area of the car had less impact strength than current IndyCar’s do.

      2. You’ve got to also remember that 18 years is a long time in car construction terms and all those incremental improvements to the strength of the safety cell generally means stronger/harder materials used, which gives a better chance for the occupant of the car that gets hit but when it comes to the guy colliding directly into that safety cell it becomes a bigger problem

      3. It was Tagliani who crashed into Zanardi, not Carpentier (I get the confusion, same team, same livery, both Canadian). My guess is that the Champ cars were designed for heavy front and rear impact, which might have added towards Zanardi’s injury. Tagliani stated he was surprised how thin F1 monocoque’s were compared to the Champ car, and was certain he also would have lost his legs if the would have been driving an F1 car. The Champ car was beefy by design at the natural impact points, it saved Tagliani, but screwed Zanardi.

    3. Honestly cannot begin to imagine what this guy’s going through. I’m actually pretty relieved to know he’s out of the worst, but it looks like a lot of struggle left to go for him. I hope he’s got the best support around him.

      1. Probably will be suffering from survivour’s guilt apart from physical injuries.

    4. Good to read this statement directly from him, good to see that he’s on his (lengthy) road to recovery and rehabilitation.

      Best wishes to you, Correa!

    5. Cristiano Ferreira
      4th October 2019, 4:18

      I dont know if this guy will race again, but if he come back, i hope he doesn’t give up on F1… I mean, he just have to look at Kubica right now (despite his lack of pace) and Zanardi.

      Best of luck to him

    6. While reading through the statement by Correa mentioning a long road to recovery, I’m reminded of Robert Wickens.

    7. Positive vibes going to Juan Manuel here. Zanardi and Monger have shown it’s possible to come back from this, and in time, Correa will too I’m sure.

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