A terrifying crash at the Dubai Autodrome left spectators holding their breath as young racing driver Wang Yuzhe’s car went airborne and flew over the safety barriers. Incredibly, he walked away without serious injuries.
The dramatic incident happened during the opening race of the Middle East Formula 4 championship. Wang’s car hit a kerb at high speed, launching it almost straight up into the air before crashing into the fence beyond the barriers.
“I’m especially thankful for the halo and the quick response from the marshals,” Wang said after being checked at a local hospital.
It’s the latest reminder of how crucial the halo safety device has become in protecting drivers. The protective bar above the cockpit, introduced in 2018, has already saved several lives across different racing categories.
Race officials immediately red-flagged the event, bringing it to an early end while medical teams attended to Wang.
The Middle East F4 series, which replaced the former UAE Championship, features some of racing’s most promising young talents. They compete across five action-packed weekends, with three races at each event.
Currently leading the championship is 16-year-old Italian sensation Emanuele Olivieri, who’s been turning heads with his consistent performances this season.
The series has become an important stepping stone for young drivers aiming to climb the motorsport ladder toward Formula 1. Many current F1 stars, including several world champions, started their careers in F4 championships around the world.
Officials will likely investigate the crash thoroughly to understand what caused such an unusual trajectory and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
