(Motorsport-Total.com) – The images were very similar: Pierre Gasly lost control of his Alpine on Friday in the second Free Practice at Spa-Francorchamps, Lewis Hamilton had the same fate a day later in the third practice at almost the same spot. Both struggled with oversteer at the exit of turn 13, hit the track barrier with the rear, and caused significant damage to their cars.
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For Sky expert Timo Glock, it was quickly clear why both accidents developed almost identically. In his assessment, both Gasly and Hamilton lost control at a spot where drivers normally are already almost at full throttle.
“That is exactly the point where you are actually already back on full throttle and have practically completed the corner,” explains Glock.
Sudden oversteer without warning
The critical moment came completely unexpectedly. “Exactly at this moment, this oversteer occurs.” The problem was especially the severity with which the rear broke loose. “It happens so abruptly that you have to countersteer immediately.”
However, due to the necessary steering input, the steering opens so wide that the car is inevitably carried outward. “He has to turn the steering so far that he is carried beyond the curb.”
From that point on, the drivers practically had no chance. “Once you touch the gravel trap, you are a passenger.”
The guardrail makes the accident particularly costly
According to Glock, the construction of the track barrier at this spot is particularly problematic. “The worst-case scenario for the drivers is that the guardrail runs into the track there.”
The reason is an opening in the barrier through which stranded vehicles can be recovered. “This opening is there so that a car can be pulled out there.” However, in a serious case, the car gets caught with the rear wheel exactly there.
The consequences are correspondingly severe. “Of course, quite a lot of damage occurred there.” Glock lists the typical damages. “The rear suspension is damaged, the rear wing is broken, and the underbody is certainly damaged as well.”
In addition, the gearbox may also have been damaged. “Now we have to wait and see if the gearbox also took some damage.” Especially for Ferrari, this is a challenge after Hamilton’s accident immediately before qualifying. “In my opinion, it will be a close call for Ferrari to get the car ready in time for qualifying.”
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Was Hamilton too aggressive?
Whether Hamilton took too much risk at this spot, Glock did not want to confirm clearly. “That is debatable.” However, from his point of view, there is little evidence for that. “The way he drove the laps and corners before, there was absolutely no oversteer.”
Therefore, the former Formula 1 driver also considers external influences possible. “It could just as well have been a gust of wind.” Especially in Spa, changing wind conditions are not uncommon. “I noticed it myself down in Eau Rouge. The wind shifted. That can catch you off guard.”
Then even a world-class driver is powerless. “Even the best drivers in the world can try to catch the car – but the guardrail is still there.”
Alpine recognizes the same cause of the accident
Alpine Sporting Director Steve Nielsen comes to an almost identical conclusion. In an interview with Sky UK, he confirmed that Hamilton’s accident was almost a copy of Gasly’s crash. “Yes, that’s true.”
Above all, the track barrier at this spot plays a decisive role. “There, the guardrail protrudes a bit further into the track to protect the marshals.” This means small mistakes are punished particularly harshly. “If you go off track there, you are immediately punished.”
Nielsen also sees clear parallels. “Lewis’ accident really looked very similar to Pierre’s crash.” After analyzing the telemetry, Alpine was able to quickly understand Pierre Gasly’s accident. “He had slight understeer.” This caused the Frenchman to get onto the curb. “Once you are on the curb, you are somewhat a passenger. Then it pulls you directly into the gravel and then into the guardrail.”
Will Hamilton make it to qualifying?
While Alpine had the entire Friday evening to repair after Gasly’s accident, Ferrari must work much faster after Hamilton’s impact. Nevertheless, Nielsen believes that the Scuderia has enough experience. “I don’t know the exact damage picture.”
However, if it looks similar to Alpine’s, he sees no major problems. “If the damage is comparable, they will manage it.” The teams already have corresponding spare parts pre-assembled. “They have prepared gearboxes, rear suspensions, and similar components – just like we do.”
However, Nielsen admits without envy that Alpine had the more favorable starting position. “I would have preferred to be in our situation last night rather than theirs today.”