5 worst crashes in the history of Formula 1

#3. Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda's near-death experience at the 1976 German Grand Prix

Niki Lauda before the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring circuit, 1976. Photo: AllsportUK /Allsport

Three-time Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda was skeptical about driving on the Nurburgring circuit during the 1976 German Grand Prix due to growing safety concerns on the mountainous 14-mile circuit. His fears came true in the worst possible way as he faced the biggest accident of his life on race day.

Lauda lost control of his car on the rise before the right-hander at Bergwerk and hit an embankment. As the car spun around on impact and stopped in the middle of the track, it burst into flames and was also hit by oncoming cars.

On this day in 1976, Niki Lauda is lucky to survive this crash at the Green Hell. #F1 pic.twitter.com/MIiumaunkJ

— F1 Images 🏁 (@F1_Images) August 1, 2017

While his fellow drivers were able to get him out of the wreckage, his severe injuries pushed him into a coma. Miraculously, Niki Lauda survived and made a comeback, but this crash still haunts Formula 1 fans.

#4. Alberto Ascari's harbour plunge at the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix

Alberto Ascari at the wheel of his Ferrari at Silverstone circuit in 1953. Photo: Evening Standard/Getty Images

Alberto Ascari, a two-time champion of Formula 1, was hoping to win the prestigious Monaco GP after managing to take the lead from Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss of Mercedes. But, as he neared the end of the race, his car broke through the barrier and crashed into the Bay of Hercules.

Alberto Ascari, Lancia, crashes into the harbor waters, he swam to safety, 1955 Monaco Grand Prix. #F1 pic.twitter.com/Z9I3ZMISp1

— F1 Images 🏁 (@F1_Images) May 20, 2015

Fortunately, he was able to swim out of the harbor and didn't suffer from any grave injuries except for a broken nose. This bizarre crash is believed to have been caused due to the crowd's sudden reaction to Moss's retirement during the 80th lap. Four days later, however, a crash during testing cost Ascari his life.

#5. Gilles Villeneuve's fatal qualifying accident at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix

Gilles Villeneuve in action at the Long Beach Grand Prix in 1982. Photo: Getty Images

Canadian driver Gilles Villeneuve was one of the most flamboyant drivers on the Formula 1 circuit in 1982, and a sureshot bet for that year's title. Unfortunately, a crash during the final qualifying session of the Belgian Grand Prix claimed his life.

Gilles Villeneuve's Fatal Crash - Zolder 1982 (35 Years Ago) https://t.co/YR1stpflpc via @YouTube

— Akilesh Srikantaiah (@akileshsri) May 8, 2020

At the time of the crash, Villeneuve was trying to improve his standing on his final qualifying lap, with eight minutes left on the clock. Jochen Mass, who was on a cool-down lap, moved to the right to let Villeneuve pass. Unfortunately, Villeneuve, who was going great guns, didn't read Mass' intentions in time and also moved right to overtake the German. This inevitably ended in a collision, which caused Villeneuve's Ferrari to launch into the air before crashing into the ground and disintegrating. Villeneuve was catapulted from the wreckage, causing injuries that proved fatal.