Peroni suffers broken vertebra in violent Monza F3 crash

Alex Peroni has suffered a broken vertebra after his horrific airborne crash during the opening FIA Formula 3 race at Monza.

The Campos Racing driver was running sixth and on course for his best result of the season when he hit the sausage kerb on the exit of the Parabolica corner and was dramatically launched into a terrifying somersault, before landing upside down in the catch fencing. 

Peroni was successfully extracted from his car and appeared to be OK as he walked away from the scene of the accident unaided. After being tended to by medical teams at the Monza circuit, he was taken to the San Gerardo hospital for further tests, which revealed he had sustained a fractured vetebra. 

His injury means he will be unable to take part in the second F3 race on Sunday.

The 19-year-old Australian took to social media to say: “That was a big one.

“Currently recovering in hospital with a broken vertebra,” he added. “Not sure the recovery time but hope to be back in the car as soon as possible.

“Thanks everyone for the messages and support I really appreciate it."

The incident prompted the FIA to remove the kerb ahead of final practice for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.