Lewis Hamilton credited his car’s Halo safety device with saving his life after a piece of debris narrowly missed his head during a chaotic start to the United States Grand Prix Sprint.
The seven-time world champion, now driving for Ferrari, was almost struck by flying carbon fibre as his SF-25 was caught in the aftermath of a multi-car collision at Turn 1.
The incident unfolded when Oscar Piastri’s McLaren clipped Nico Hülkenberg’s Haas, sending both cars into Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris.
Fragments of carbon fibre scattered across the track, with one piece heading straight for Hamilton’s cockpit.
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The Halo — the titanium structure that arcs over a Formula One driver’s head — deflected the incoming debris before it could make contact.
The Ferrari star, who had been threading his way through the chaos ahead, continued unscathed and went on to finish the sprint session without damage.
Footage of the incident quickly circulated online, showing just how close Hamilton came to disaster.
Lewis Hamilton was protected by his Halo during Saturday's United Grand Prix sprint
|SKY
Fans on social media were quick to express their relief, many calling the moment another clear example of the Halo’s importance in modern racing.
“Somewhat lucky too. That could have easily gone past the Halo,” wrote one viewer, while another said, “That saved a potentially horrible accident.”
Speaking afterwards to Sky F1, Hamilton acknowledged how fortunate he had been to escape unharmed.
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Lewis Hamilton credited his car’s Halo safety device with saving his life after a piece of debris narrowly missed his head during a chaotic start to the United States Grand Prix Sprint
|PA/FORMULAONE
“I managed to avoid the drama at Turn 1, just,” he said.
“I didn’t position my car particularly well. I saw Alonso on the inside, so I went a bit to the right and left the door open to Charles.
“Lots of improvement is still to be made, but otherwise the start was good.”
The crash brought an early end to the races of both McLaren drivers, Piastri and Norris, as well as Alonso and Hülkenberg.
Marshals worked swiftly to clear the damaged cars and debris from the track, while Hamilton regained focus to complete the sprint.
He will start fifth on the grid for Sunday’s main event, just two places behind his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
Lewis Hamilton was enthused by his performance on Saturday as he chases victory at the United States Grand Prix
|REUTERS
Reflecting on his performance and Ferrari’s growing competitiveness, Hamilton struck an optimistic tone.
“For us to be third and fifth I think it’s a real step forward,” he said. “This is the closest I’ve been to a podium in God knows how long. It’s taken me forever — it’s not from lack of trying.
“I’m going to give it absolutely everything to try and get there. My goal is to win.”
The close call reignited discussion about the Halo, a device initially met with scepticism when it was introduced in 2018 but now widely credited with preventing serious injuries.
In previous seasons, it has played a crucial role in saving the lives of drivers including Romain Grosjean, Zhou Guanyu, and Charles Leclerc.
Whether Hamilton can now secure a first victory in Ferrari colours remains to be seen.