Chinese driver unscathed thanks to safety device

Zhou Guanyu hailed Formula 1's "halo" system and the rapid response of the rescue team for saving his life after the Chinese driver was involved in a frightening first-lap crash at the British Grand Prix on Sunday.

"It was a big crash and I'm glad I'm OK. The marshals and the medical team at the track were fantastic with their quick response, and I also owe thanks to the FIA and Formula 1 for all the work they have done," said the Alfa Romeo rookie.

"They are constantly improving the safety of our cars. The halo saved me today, and it goes to show that every step we take in improving our cars has real, valuable results."

On Saturday, Zhou had impressed in British GP qualifying as he battled the weather conditions to claim another Q3 and start ninth on the grid on Sunday.

The race got off to the scariest possible start at Silverstone when Zhou, Mercedes' George Russell and AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly collided causing Zhou to barrel out of the race, while Williams' Alex Albon was caught up in an incident involving AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda, Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel and Alpine's Esteban Ocon.

Zhou's Alfa Romeo slid upside down across the gravel and was wedged between fencing and a tire barrier at the first corner. Zhou was saved by the car's halo, which prevented his head from hitting the ground as the car overturned.

The race was instantly red-flagged as rescuers rushed to the scene. Russell also sprinted from his car to the tire barrier to check on Zhou.

Zhou and Russell both spent time in the medical center before being getting the all-clear. Albon was transferred by helicopter to Coventry Hospital for "precautionary checks".

"We started on the hard tires because I made a mistake in qualifying and we thought that risk gave us the best opportunity later in the race, but there was just very little grip at the start," explained Russell.

"It's the hardest compound, it's cold out there and I got swamped by all the cars. Next thing I know I got touched, I was into the side of Zhou, and that was it. I jumped out to see if Zhou was OK and I saw it was red-flagged straightaway.