The Monaco GP circuit is undoubtedly the most iconoic, and arguably the most challenging, street course in the Formula 1 calendar. Decades of racing advancement has transformed Monaco into a significantly safer race course but Felipe Massa's scary crash during practice at Monaco reminds us just how quickly the historic track can sucker punch a driver.
Felipe Massa slammed on the brakes for Sainte Devote after accelerating down the front straight when his wheels locked and slide into a barrier at approximately 180 mph.
"When I braked over the bump the car touched the floor and I locked both front wheels," Massa said.
"It's not an easy thing to happen, normally you only lock one.
"And then I went into the wall - waiting for it to arrive was not a nice thing.
"I looked at the data, and honestly, when I braked I was in a gear lower than I was on Thursday. I locked both front tyres and it was very strange that it happened."
Data indicates that the crash was not a technical problem and suspects a surface change might be the cause. Ferrari made a huge effort to repair Massa's car but it ran out of time to get him out in Q1, leaving him 22nd on the grid.
"It is the worst track to have such a problem," Massa admitted, "but I think we need to remain positive and we will have to try everything we can for tomorrow.
"Monaco is difficult to overtake at, we know, but anything can happen."
While the crash looked severe, Massa assured he was fit to race. "I feel a few pains in the muscles in my back, but I'm OK and it's nothing that a massage won't sort out," Massa said.
