Hungarian Grand Prix: Renault F1 lorry crashes on motorway while travelling from Hockenheim to Hungary

A Renault F1 team lorry has crashed on its way to the Hungaroring, leaving it hanging off the side of a motorway.

A helicopter and firefighters were called to the scene near Gyor in the northwest of Hungary after local reports claimed the driver of the lorry was trapped in the cabin.

Renault issued a statement to confirm that their truck was involved in an accident on the M1 motorway in Hungary, but the French team did not say whether the specific lorry was carrying either Daniel Ricciardo’s or Nico Hulkenberg’s car.

“We confirm that a Team truck was in an accident on the M1 in Hungary, near Gyor,” a Renault statement said. “The driver, who was driving within the respected regulations, is conscious and has not suffered serious injury. He’s been transported to hospital for further checks. No other vehicles were involved.”

Pictures on social media revealed the extent of the accident, which showed the lorry carriage hanging off the side of the hard shoulder, although thankfully the team confirmed that no serious injuries were suffered in the accident.

The lorries that transport all of the equipment needed by teams at grands prix made their way from Hockenheim to Hungary on Monday following the weekend’s German Grand Prix, carrying everything from the cars, tools and pit lane equipment to spare parts and technical equipment that are put up at every single race throughout the season.

Teams normally have a two-week gap between races to fulfil such duties, but the short week-turnaround for the Hungarian Grand Prix could yet have a knock-on effect on Renault at next weekend’s race.

Renault endured a difficult weekend in Germany as Ricciardo was an early retirement with engine failure, before teammate Hulkenberg – who had been running as high as second – crashed out of his home race while running in fourth place.