Billy Monger Crash: Who is Billy Monger and what happened to him in 2017

Billy Monger Crash: Who is Billy Monger and what happened to him in 2016 that forced the double amputation on his legs.

Billy Monger, back in 2017 aspiring to be a professional motorsport driver, while he was still plying his trade in F4. He certainly had a bright future in the near sight, as in his first year in the big league, he took three podiums and finished 12th in the championship.

However, things took a tragic turn, when e was involved in what was described as one of British motorsports most horrific crashes resulting in a double leg amputation.

Billy Monger crash: What happened?

During his F4 race, Billy was at a top speed of 120mph, when he smashed into a stationary car at Donnington Park. He was trapped inside his vehicle for more than 90 minutes at the Derby racetrack before he was airlifted to hospital in Nottingham. Although he underwent a series of operations, doctors were unable to save his lower legs.

In a tweeted statement after the crash, Billy said: “The marshals, medics, doctors, air ambulance and extraction crews at Donington along with all the staff at the Queens medical centre – what can I say?

“Without you guys, I wouldn’t be here today! I will always thank you for saving my life.”

Watch the video

Road to recovery and F3

A few months later, Billy walked a part of the track, where he faced the tragic crash. In December 2017, less than a year on from the crash, he received the President’s Award from FIA President Jean Todt.

The gong is given to those who have “displayed courage, determination and sportsmanship but to also include those that have contributed greatly to the broader FIA community.”

In the following month, the British driver ab=nnounced that he will return to racing and aimed to take part in the Formula 3 championships in the 2018/19 season.

Also read: F1 red flag rules: What does red flag mean in Formula One?

He said: “My focus is on driving in F3 next season, we are working on a budget for it and long term I want to get into F1.” On March 31, 2018, Billy achieved a podium finish in the opening race of the British F3 championship at Oulton Park.

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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