Motorsports are always going to be dangerous but deaths aren’t as common. The ’70s were considered to be a bloodbath in Formula 1 with one tragedy, in particular, being the most disgraceful in my opinion. This is the story of Formula 1’s most disgraceful moment.
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22 Comments
I hope the soft cock marshalls in the Williamson incident hear his scream every time they close their eyes
Dutch people have great empathy for others? How could this happen? David Purley the only human there – thwarted by uniform wearing Dutchmen. Would they have helped a Dutch driver?
Some might consider "Ruben let Michael pass for championship!" as not so glorious as well.
Racing is dangerous. I hate when spectator types want to see crashes.
The gutless cowardice of humans is probably the most disgusting thing to witness.
One other fact why passing drivers thought it was merely Purley trying to save his own burning car – they were both driving for the March team (so in identical cars). I read a cynical contemporary article which said this accident was considered worse than Cevert's fatal accident later that year (in US GP practice) merely because it was caught by the "baleful" eye of TV (the first time I had heard that word).
Absoltely disgraceful.
Just like the people eager to summit Everest will climb past dying climbers. “ Humanity” at its finest. Scumbags all.
Fred went spinning in the air…damn
I don’t understand the excuse used by officials and other drivers claiming they thought Purley was simply trying to save his own car? His car was pulled up to the side so he could rush to Williamson’s car. Whose car did they think the parked up car belong to?
Not nearly enough was said about the fallout, or punishments, or anything other than flame resistant clothing becoming a thing. I also wasn't a fan of the music.
God Bless David Purley!
Don'forget Piers Courage dying in a car with front and rear bulkeads cast in magnesium. Also at Zandvoort I think.
One the main reasons why Jackie Stewart decided to retire after the 1973 Formula 1 season. Francois Cevert's fatal crash at the 1973 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen set in stone. Jackie Stewart did not race and left Watkins Glen after a moment of silence for Francois Cevert.
Idiots, i dont care what time in history it was and what excuses they try, those marshals are just responsible for a mans death, its that simple really
back in the day , Turbo's kept blowing up
Too much advertising.
Safety may have come a long way but it has been drivers that forced changes even making changes themselves NOT the organisers, and even then changes were few and far between where multiple deaths or serious injuries would occur before something was done spearheaded by drivers sick of being the victims of the rich.
Terrible and Shameful Day
The fire extinguishers in those days may have well been filled with gasoline.
Jesus Christ. What's the fucking point of marshals who don't do anything? What's the point of any of that equipment being there if not to help? Why the fuck was the race not halted immediately? How was everything THAT bad?
I know it is something of an Internet pastime to pass judgement on people but consider several facts. Namely that the marshals had absolutely no training or protective gear. I know it is easy to say to someone 'step into a fire' but unless you have been faced with the same choice you cannot say for certain what you would do. Yes you can fantasize about being the hero but the line between hero and corpse is razor thin. It is not like today where every race is staffed with martials trained in fire fighting wearing fire retardant suites. These men had on just basic clothing. To get next to that car would mean possible life altering injuries if their clothes caught. Should have the FIA done better? Of course, but the failings of the FIA in this incident do not fall on the two martials, just as it does not fall on the drivers who did not stop. They thought it was Purley's car that was on fire. Yet I seldom see any vitriol directed at the drivers. All I am saying is that it is easy to say 'Go step into that fire', when you are not the one feeling the heat from it.