WATCH: Top 5 lucky escapes after 'flying' Formula 1 cars on track

In the world of Formula 1, few moments are as heart-stopping as when a car is launched into the air, defying the limits of safety and control. Over the years, there have been several dramatic incidents where F1 cars have taken flight on the track, leaving fans and drivers alike in shock.

Here are the top five moments when F1 cars flew on the track:

5. Riccardo Patrese’s Near Miss with a Bridge (Portugal, 1992)

Estoril 1992. Onboard and crash Riccardo Patrese. pic.twitter.com/uiNR2n7oZR

— Raceliefhebber (Wouter)🧡🏎 (@raceliefhebber) December 3, 2022

The Portuguese Grand Prix of 1992 is etched in F1 history not just for its competitive spirit, but for a terrifying moment involving Riccardo Patrese. The drama unfolded on the start/finish straight when Gerhard Berger, preparing for a pit stop, moved towards the right side of the track. Patrese, following closely behind in Berger’s slipstream, didn’t anticipate the move.

As a result, his Williams made contact with Berger’s rear wheel, sending Patrese’s car airborne. The Williams soared dangerously close to a pedestrian bridge before crashing back to the ground. The debris from the incident caused additional accidents on the track, including a puncture for Michael Schumacher and a minor injury to JJ Lehto. Miraculously, Patrese emerged shaken but unhurt, and neither driver faced penalties from the stewards.

4. Ralf Schumacher's Skyward Launch (Australia, 2002)

The Australian Grand Prix in 2002 was marred by one of the most spectacular crashes in the event's history. As the race began, a massive collision at the first corner catapulted Ralf Schumacher's car into the air. The accident involved multiple cars, with eight drivers being taken out of the race before they could even navigate the first turn.

Schumacher's car was launched high into the sky, an alarming sight that left the crowd gasping. Despite the severity of the crash, Ralf Schumacher was fortunate to escape without serious injury, a testament to the advancements in F1 safety.

3. Mark Webber’s Spectacular Flip (Europe, 2010)

#OnThisDay in 2010.

Mark Webber had a lucky escape after getting airborne on lap 9 of the European GP at Valencia. Webber's Red Bull-Renault teammate Sebastian Vettel won the race.

© FOM#F1 pic.twitter.com/9KKvQokdTP

— Formula 1 On This Day 🏁 (@Formula1_OTD) June 27, 2024

The 2010 European Grand Prix saw one of the most dramatic incidents in recent F1 history involving Mark Webber. On lap 10, Webber attempted to overtake Heikki Kovalainen’s Lotus but misjudged the move. His Red Bull’s front-right tyre clipped Kovalainen’s rear left, launching Webber’s car high into the air.

The Red Bull somersaulted and landed upside down on its nose before righting itself and crashing into the tyre barrier. Webber was seen throwing his steering wheel out of the car in frustration but walked away unscathed, a remarkable outcome given the severity of the crash.

2. Nico Rosberg’s High-Flying Moment (Abu Dhabi, 2012)

2012 ABU DHABI

Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) was eliminated when he hit Narain Karthikeyan (HRT).

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) suffered front wing damage when he hit a DRS board behind the SC. #F1 pic.twitter.com/cdcV8kEn31

— F1 Icons That Go Hard (@CrystalRacing) November 4, 2020

Yas Marina Circuit is known for its technical corners, but the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw an unexpected airborne incident involving Nico Rosberg. As Rosberg was battling his way through the field, he approached Narain Karthikeyan’s HRT.

At that moment, Karthikeyan’s car suffered a hydraulic failure, causing it to slow down unexpectedly. Unable to avoid a collision, Rosberg’s Mercedes hit the back of the HRT, launching over the top of it dramatically. The incident was a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers in Formula 1, but fortunately, both drivers were unharmed.

1. Fernando Alonso’s Scary Crash (Belgium, 2018)

New angle showing Alonso’s front wheel hitting the halo... can’t say for sure it would have hit his head if it wasn’t there, but I think there is a good chance, like them or not, I suspect they may have just saved a life. pic.twitter.com/GKoamSQn3S

— Darren Holmes (@dazholmes) August 27, 2018

The 2018 Belgian Grand Prix witnessed a terrifying incident at the first corner of the opening lap. Renault’s Nico Hülkenberg misjudged his braking point, slamming into the back of Fernando Alonso’s McLaren.

The impact launched Alonso’s car into the air, where it landed on Charles Leclerc’s Sauber, grazing the halo as it did so. The incident was a chilling moment, highlighting the importance of the halo device in protecting drivers. Alonso walked away from the crash unharmed, but the incident sparked discussions about driver safety and the unpredictable nature of the sport.