Video: drivers survive enormous Red Bull Ring crash

Safety standards in the world of motorsport have come a long way since the days when helmets and seatbelts were unheard of. It’s just as well too, as Carlin drivers Zhi Cong Li and Ryan Tveter will no doubt attest following events at the Red Bull Ring this weekend.

Just over seven minutes from the end of the first F3 race at Spielberg on Saturday, Tveter spun at Turn 5, kicking up a cloud of dust in the gravel trap before eventually coming to a rest on the circuit. Unsighted by the dirt, his teammate – also known as Peter – continued along the racing line at full speed and was powerless to avoid the colossal shunt in the video above.

Reports say that the Chinese driver was knocked unconscious by the impact and taken to a hospital in Graz via helicopter, and although Tveter was able to climb out of his car immediately afterwards, he too required medical attention.

The American escaped with a badly bruised knee, while Zhi Cong Li was later diagnosed with four fractured vertebrae and a shattered heel that will soon require surgery.

Van Amersfoort Racing’s Pedro Piquet was also caught up in the accident, but emerged unhurt from the crash.

After being released from hospital, Tveter took to Twitter to thank “all those who have pushed forward safety in racing.” He added: “Because of them we're still here.”

Encouragingly, his bed-stricken teammate was well enough for a thumbs-up photo, and is said to be recovering “incredibly well” from the incident.

Let’s hope he gets back behind the wheel sooner rather than later.