F1 chaos as safety car CRASHES during test laps in never-before-seen accident at Italian Grand Prix

THIS is the shocking moment the F1 safety car SMASHED into barriers at high speed ahead of the weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

The car was taking part in its usual high-speed pre-race tests on Thursday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s race at Monza.

GettyThe safety car looked worse for wear after colliding into the barrier[/caption]

GettyDriver Bernd Maylander, thankfully, managed to walk away from the crash unharmed[/caption]

But it unexpectedly skidded off the track during one of its runs and SLAMMED into the barrier.

Driver Bernd Maylander lost control before one of the turns, which led to the motor skidding onto the gravel.

Thankfully for Maylander, he managed to keep the car on all four wheels.

But he was unable to prevent it from scudding into the barrier at high speed.

The green Aston Martin was nigh-on totalled after its high-speed crash.

Maylander, however, managed to walk away from the crash without any serious injuries.

Footage of the crash spread like wildfire on social media.

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Inside track on Hamilton’s life

LEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.

The British speedster lives life in the fast lane both on and off the track, with a string of high-profile romances and jet-set lifestyle.

Hamilton made his name at McLaren and Mercedes but stunned the racing world by signing a £100million deal to join Ferrari for next season.

His exploits have seen him rub shoulders with Hollywood icon Brad Pitt but Lew snubbed the chance to feature in Top Gun 2.

And fans can follow his fortunes on the latest season of Netflix’s smash hit Drive To Survive.

Hamilton’s talent saw him go from humble origins in Stevenage to boasting an £11m car collection.

He joined celeb dating app Raya after splitting from Brazilian beauty Juliana Nalu.

And his exes are said to include Rita Ora, Rihanna and Nicole Scherzinger.

Hamilton was embroiled in a bitter feud with Nico Rosberg but the pair buried the hatchet to sport £35k watches they were given for FREE.

He also shared high-profile battles with Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.

But his most shocking showdown saw Max Verstappen handed the World Championship over him by a controversial safety car decision.

The Brit is chasing a record eighth world title – the first of which came in 2008 and has seen Felipe Masa sue F1 for £62m after a crash saw him miss out.

Check out all our Lewis Hamilton articles here.

One F1 fan commented on X: “Not something you see every day.”

Another said: “I have witnessed everything this year.”

And another: “He was just testing how the barriers were, don’t panic guys.”

One jokingly remarked: “Unsafety car.”

Another chimed in: “Logan Sargeant testing the Safety car.”

F1 chiefs won’t be scrambling for a new safety car as there are two more on standby at Monza.

Defending champion Max Verstappen goes into the Italian Grand Prix leading the chasing pack with 295 points – 75 points ahead of Brit Lando Norris.

The Dutchman will be looking to seal his THIRD successive first-placed finish on Sunday afternoon.

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