F1 News: Photographer Speaks Out As Wounds Heal After Horrific Sergio Perez Monaco Crash

During the Monaco Grand Prix, a frightening collision involving Sergio Perez and Kevin Magnussen saw multiple trackside photographers, including Andrea Bruno Diodato, throw themselves out of harm's way. Diodato has since shared insights into the horrific situation and the crucial role of safety measures.

At the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, an alarming collision on the first lap involving drivers Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen, and Nico Hulkenberg resulted in the former colliding with the barriers and carbon fibre flying up into the air. Andrea Bruno Diodato, a seasoned freelance photographer, found himself in the direct path of danger but fortunately emerged with only minor injuries.

Speaking about the scary moment during an interview with Sky Italia, Diodato explained:

“My work sometimes teaches us to listen even before seeing certain situations. And so in those moments: after a Sauber passed by, the uniform noise as the cars passed was as if it had stopped for a moment and I understood that something was about to happen. Then the collision."

"There were about ten of us, now I only have a bruise after the impact. Those who suffered the most damage may have thrown themselves to the ground to take cover.

“No serious consequences. I was there because I used a wide-angle lens for the start.

“I wanted to show a bit of the surrounding context, so the city, the details of the track and the huge number of cars. In short, it was an interesting part to work in."

#Formula1 El choque de #ChecoPérez en el #MonacoGP mostró también el riesgo que implica para los fotógrafos captar las imágenes. Andrea Bruno Diodato no sólo estuvo bastante cerca de llevarse un gran golpe, sino que debió reaccionar a la muy peligrosa lluvia de piezas rotas #F1 pic.twitter.com/DLgaf0g6jX
— Sam (@Samuel_Prieto) May 30, 2024

Diodato understood Magnussen's race decision, noting the lack of overtaking opportunities on Monaco's narrow streets sometimes compels drivers to take sparse chances. He stated:

"If I put myself in the driver's shoes, I must say that in a certain sense, I understand Magnussen.

“In a race where it is very difficult to overtake, perhaps in that situation he saw the only glimmer of opportunity to succeed.

“I don't feel like accusing or condemning him."

Despite the close crash in Monaco, Diodato has been straight back out on track. He concluded:

"No, no fear. So much so that I immediately returned to the track and will also be on track [this] weekend at Mugello for the MotoGP.

"In Monaco there is no safety problem. I know that circuit well and if there were no serious consequences after the impact it is also because the guardrails are very solid, as are the posts in the asphalt.

“I think that track offers many more certainties when compared to others and other situations. I'm thinking for example of the accident involving Zhou [with Albon] at Silverstone in 2022.

“Maybe the show isn't exciting on the track, but the safety standards are high. And in any case we are all aware that there is a risk in doing this job."