Welcome to Monday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up.
Comment of the day
A reader recalls watching the shocking start to the 1981 Belgian Grand Prix:
I watched it live on BBC Sunday Grandstand.
It was a horrible moment when Dave Luckett got hit, ironically by one Arrows while tending to the other one. As he was lying there motionless, it seemed he might have been killed. Poor Siegfried Stohr, the Arrows number two who hit him, was distraught in the cockpit, banging his helmet in despair. It was one of the most distressing things I’ve seen on a live F1 broadcast, made even worse knowing the Osella mechanic had already been killed the day before.
When we learned Dave Luckett was alive with only a broken leg, as I recall, it seemed like a miracle.
Jim Clark’s Bootlaces
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Social media and links
Mercedes-AMG claims its first 24h Nuerburgring victory in ten years (Nuerburgring 24 Hours)
Mercedes-AMG returned to the top step at the ADAC 24h Nuerburgring, taking a landmark victory in the Eifel. Maro Engel, part of the marque’s previous win in 2016, celebrated his second overall triumph in the ‘Green Hell’ alongside teammates Luca Stolz, Fabian Schiller and Maxime Martin. A driveshaft issue ended Max Verstappen’s strong run in his first 24h appearance with the Verstappen Mercedes-AMG, while a record crowd created a vibrant atmosphere across the four days.
Very unfortunate and frustrating ending, but these things can happen.
I still really enjoyed the experience together with Jules, Luggi and Dani. Thanks to the team and everyone around the track for your support. pic.twitter.com/9kvLyvlELK— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) May 17, 2026
Reigning winner Palou claims second career ‘500’ pole (IndyCar)
Alex Palou sealed pole for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. He will line up alongside Alexander Rossi in the No. 20 Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing and David Malukas in the No. 12 Penske Chevrolet on the front row.
How Mini and Camara kept Miami F2 results despite infringements (Formula Scout)
Stewards explained that drivers were directed through the pit lane by illuminated panels at turn 17. They noted the race leader was about 50 metres from the first panel when the instruction was given. After reviewing the situation, stewards issued a warning rather than a time penalty, concluding no competitor gained or lost advantage.
IndyCar’s Boles focusing on bringing bumping drama back to Indy qualifying (Racer)
Boles discussed the importance of the emotional high point that bumping brings to Indy qualifying and the challenges this year, including entry changes that affected the number of cars attempting to qualify.
Daniel Juncadella (X)
‘Here (Lewis Hamilton flipping off Franco Colapinto) I understand there wasn’t a fine, right? The FIA’s double standards… Never fails’
- Hamilton flipped off Colapinto after lap one collision caused race-ruining damage
Shocking crash in SMP Formula 4 at Moscow Raceway after the Safety Car pulled onto the racing line.
— RaceFans (@racefans.net) 2026-05-17T21:37:24.773Z
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Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Gombosco!
On this day in motorsport
- Born today in 1967: Heinz-Harald Frentzen – three-time F1 race winner, 1997 championship runner-up and former teammate of Michael Schumacher and Karl Wendlinger
- Born today in 1928: Jo Schlesser, who was killed in 1968 when he crashed his Honda in heavy rain during his first world championship race at Rouen in France
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