Red Bull driver Sergio Perez suffers a crash in Monaco.
Andrea Bruno Diodato, the photographer injured when Sergio Perez and Kevin Magnussen crashed in Monaco, says he won’t “accuse” the Haas driver as that was probably his “only glimmer of opportunity” in Monaco.
On the opening lap of the Monaco GP, Magnussen, Perez, and Nico Hulkenberg faced a devastating setback as their hopes for the race were crushed. Magnussen’s attempt to overtake Perez on the outer side ended in a collision with the Red Bull driver, who was following the designated racing line.
Andrea Bruno Diodato was not seriously injured in the Sergio Perez crash
Perez’s RB20 suffered a remarkable crash, resulting in the loss of all four corners, while Magnussen’s Haas had its front end severely damaged. Additionally, a powerful impact, though not directly, forced Hulkenberg, Magnussen’s teammate, out of the race.
The race came to a halt as officials raised the red flag due to the scattered debris, including carbon fiber fragments, on the track. Marshals promptly initiated cleanup operations.
However, it was later revealed that while Perez’s RB20 was losing its bodywork as it collided with the barriers, it accidentally injured a photographer who was positioned on the side of the track near the Beau Rivage corner, but safely behind fencing.
After being taken to the medical center at the track, the photographer Andrea Bruno Diodato was promptly discharged.
He told Sky Italia: “I’m fine and there were no serious consequences for anyone. And this also explains that there isn’t a safety problem on that circuit. And I don’t even feel like accusing the Haas driver, as an enthusiast I can understand that.”
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He added, “Sometimes, my job teaches us the importance of listening before witnessing certain situations. In those moments, as the cars passed, the uniform noise seemed to pause, signaling that something was about to occur. And then came the collision.”
Originally, there were approximately ten of us, but now I am left with just a bruise from the collision with a piece of the Red Bull wing. Thankfully, things went smoothly, and those who sustained the most injuries might have instinctively thrown themselves to the ground for protection.
When I imagine myself in the position of the driver, I find that I can somewhat empathize with Magnussen.
“In a race characterized by challenging overtaking, maybe he perceived that as the sole glimmer of opportunity to achieve success. I don’t have the inclination to accuse or condemn him.”
However, when photos of photographers desperately seeking safety circulated, he was questioned about whether he experienced fear during those moments.
“No, no fear,” he said.
There is no safety concern in Monaco. I am familiar with the circuit and the fact that there were no major consequences after the impact is due to the highly sturdy guardrails and posts on the asphalt.
In my opinion, the track provides a greater number of certainties compared to others and various situations. A specific incident that comes to mind is the Zhou-Albon accident at Silverstone in 2022.
“That’s a situation I definitely wouldn’t want to be in Monaco. Maybe the show on the track isn’t thrilling, but at least the safety standards are top-notch. Regardless, we all acknowledge the risks involved in this profession.”
What is a useful tip for aspiring Formula 1 photographers?
“Optimizing your cognitive abilities and engaging all your senses to their fullest potential. Additionally, relying on your sensations, as they have the power to make a significant impact.”
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