The race weekend in Italy was shaken up Saturday evening by news from the GT championship in Shanghai. Footage of a heroic Loek Hartog, who rescued fellow driver Ollie Millroy from his burning Ferrari, went viral worldwide. The Brit would later admit from the hospital that Hartog had saved his life. The 23-year-old Dutchman received much international praise, including from Max Verstappen.
Read more Kimi Antonelli warns competition after victory: ‘The best is yet to come’
The reporters from Viaplay asked Verstappen on Sunday about Loek Hartog’s rescue. “Yes, that is incredible,” responded the four-time world champion. “He did that very well. Much respect for that. Without him (Hartog, ed.) that driver would not have survived. Yes, very nice.” Ollie Millroy confirmed via social media that he owes his life to Hartog. “One day I will tell this story to our three children and then Loek will also be the greatest superhero of all time in their eyes.”
After a hard crash, Millroy’s Ferrari immediately caught fire. Hartog witnessed the incident and immediately stopped his Porsche on the track to offer help. He first tried to free Millroy from the driver’s side of the car and then used a fire extinguisher to fight the flames. Eventually, he managed to pull the Brit out of the wreck. Millroy suffered five broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a broken hand, and a broken finger. In addition, he sustained a bruised lung. In China, he will have to undergo several operations.
Read more VIDEO: Frustrated Franco Colapinto in tears after ‘wasted’ chance: ‘Threw everything away’
Read everything about the Spanish GP here
NOW ONLINE: 45 pages Race special GP Italy: our online magazine with news, reactions, analysis, and interview!
