Not typically the cause of an accident but part of the resolution of one, the Formula 1 safety car driven by Bernd Maylander has suffered a bizarre crash during routine testing at Monza’s high-speed Parabolica corner. Watch below. 
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The Aston Martin Vantage used as the Formula 1 safety car crashed on Thursday during routine testing ahead of this weekend’s race at Monza. While both occupants emerged unscathed, the cause of the crash remains unclear. Footage of the incident shows safety car driver Bernd Maylander losing control while entering the Parabolica corner—one of the track’s fastest bends. In what seems to be a Scandinavian flick, the car veers off the black stuff at high speed, spinning into the gravel trap. Unfortunately, it was carrying a significant amount of speed and therefore did collide with the tyre barriers and absorbative cushioning.
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The unusual behaviour of the car, particularly its movement under braking, has sparked online speculation that the crash may have been caused by a mechanical issue rather than error from expert Bernd Maylander. Some have suggested that the brakes might have overheated or failed, prompting Maylander to deliberately initiate a slide to reduce speed and go into the barrier backwards.
In a statement, the FIA said, “There was an on-track incident with the FIA Safety Car today at Monza. Aston Martin is investigating the cause but can confirm both driver and passenger are fine. There is an additional Safety Car at the circuit, and it will not impact the weekend’s event.”
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With that said, the weekend may be starting on a bizarre foot but it is all systems go for Formula 1 at the Temple of Speed! Watch the accident below.
