(CNN) — Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu said his car’s halo protection device saved his life after he was involved in a horrific high-speed accident during the first lap of the British Grand Prix on Sunday.
Zhou was one of several drivers involved in the turn one accident, which resulted in his Alfa Romeo flipping and skidding across the track and onto gravel, before crashing into the fence.
Zhou Guanyu was later discharged.
The halo, which is made of titanium, forms a shield around the cabin and was introduced in 2018. Although it initially received some criticism from drivers, several drivers have since credited it for preventing serious injuries.
“I’m fine, all clear,” Zhou tweeted later on Sunday, along with a selfie. “Halo saved me today. Thank you all for the kind messages from her!”
Zhou’s car ended up wedged between the tire barrier and the protective fence, which is there to protect the fans. The awkward nature of the car’s location meant it took him some time to get it out.
Mercedes’ George Russell, who made contact with Zhou during the collision, immediately got out of his car once it stopped and ran to see the other driver.
The titanium halo protected Zhou from any injury.
The rookie, who is the first Chinese driver in F1, was finally photographed being carried away on a stretcher by emergency medical personnel and later released after being evaluated at the medical center.
Williams driver Alex Albon was also involved in the crash and was taken to a local hospital for check-ups. He was later discharged, his team confirmed on Twitter.
The race was red-flagged and suspended until Zhou’s car was retired. As the cars returned to the pits, members of an environmental group entered the track and sat down to protest, although the race had fortunately been stopped.
Once competition restarted, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz secured his first F1 win, while Red Bull’s Sergio Perez of Mexico came second and favorite Lewis Hamilton third.