Hamilton stunned as teen driver has legs amputated

April 20, 2017 | 16:54

(0) user say

LONDON: Three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton rallied to the support of a teenage British motor racing driver who had both legs amputated in a horrific high-speed crash.

"Let's help our fellow and his family thru this tough times!" tweeted Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton, speaking of the horrific F1 crash that left teenager Billy Monger amputated of both legs. (AFP/ANDREJ ISAKOVIC)

Billy Monger, 17, was left fighting for his life after the crash in a Formula Four race at Donington race track in England on Sunday, a smash which left him trapped in his car for around 90 minutes.

Now, a crowd-funding campaign has been set-up with a target of £260,000.

"I have only just seen the news of this tragic incident," tweeted Mercedes star Hamilton with a link to the fund-raising site.

"Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, @BillyMonger."

Sergio Perez, a rival of Hamilton in the F1 championship, also appealed for help.

"Let's help our fellow and his family thru this tough times! @BillyMonger," tweeted the Mexican Force India driver.

The 17-year-old Monger was injured in a collision with a car being driven by Finland's Patrik Pasma which appeared to have stopped on the track.

Onboard footage from a camera on Monger's car showed him seeming to run into the back of Pasma's stationary car.

After being trapped in his car for an hour and a half, the British driver was airlifted to hospital in nearby Nottingham.

"After being involved in one of the most horrific crashes motorsport has seen Billy Monger is a teenager that needs little introduction. Thousands of people have already watched the haunting footage of the crash which left Billy fighting for his life," said a statement on the fund-raising page.

"Sadly Billy has had amputations to both legs."

AFP

What the stars mean:

★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional