Fan Footage Provides Closer Look At Sergio Perez' Horrific Crash At Monaco Grand Prix

Just seconds into the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix 2024, Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, who started 20th on the grid, attempted what many described as an “unnecessary move” to overtake Sergio Perez’s Red Bull. The result was a massive crash, with Magnussen, Perez and the second Haas car, driven by Nico Hulkenberg, ending in barriers. It was an immediate red flag. Thankfully, the three drivers walked out of their cars with no injuries.

Days later, a video, reportedly shot by a fan, provides a chilling view of the moment Perez’s car hit the barriers while the photographers tried to shield themselves.

According to Race Fans, the crash happened during the climb from Sainte Devote to Massenet — the initial corners of the iconic Circuit de Monaco. The section at Beau Rivage involves back-to-back curves, which becomes challenging particularly when two cars try to climb side by side. Sharing the fan footage, ESPN wrote on X, “These fan angles of Perez’s crash in Monaco. Luckily nobody was hurt.”

In response to the clip, a F1 fan claimed there’s not enough space for two cars on the Monaco circuit anymore and suggested the track is no longer suitable for Formula 1 races.

Another user said it was a hazardous spot for photographers and media to stand so close to the track.

Many suggested that mediapersons to wear helmets similar to marshals in the pitlane, as they are still at risk during such accidents.

Quite a few were surprised to see that people are allowed to stand in such a dangerous position right on the turn at Monaco.

On the collision, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez explained, “It’s Lap 1, it’s just important if you are not in the right position, automatically you are going to end up losing. I was getting out of the corner, I had basically. On my onboard there is no point where you see Kevin and I was just pretty surprised that he kept it flat at that point, because it was just very unnecessary. We had a lot of damage, we had a very dangerous incident. It was a massive incident, and my car was completely destroyed.”

Kevin Magnussen said that he ended up making contact with the wall and Perez’s car at the same time. He said, “I think I was with my front alongside Perez’s rear, from the exit of Turn 1 on the run up to Turn 3. He goes towards the wall, the wall comes a little bit back towards the track, and I had nowhere to go. I don’t know if he didn’t see me or what, but I can’t just disappear out of the blue. I made contact with the wall and him at the same time, and unfortunately we had a crash. A crash like this is a big cost for the team.”

Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg were unable to participate in the rest of the Monaco Grand Prix after all three drivers retired following a dramatic collision on the first lap.