Oliver Askew, the 2024 Formula 2 driver for Van Amersfoort Racing, took to social media on Saturday to accept full responsibility for the high‑speed collision that forced Juan Manuel Correa out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix sprint race. In a brief Instagram post, Askew wrote that he mis‑judged his braking point into Turn 1 and that the ensuing contact was entirely his fault.
Askew’s admission comes after a flurry of online criticism aimed at the Dutch‑American driver, with many fans and commentators accusing him of reckless driving. The crash, which occurred on the opening lap, saw Askew’s car clip the rear of Correa’s, sending the latter into the barriers at a speed exceeding 300 km/h. Correa’s car was heavily damaged and he was forced to retire, ending his weekend early.
Reuters reported that the FIA stewards opened an investigation but ultimately classified the incident as a “driver error” rather than a breach of sporting regulations, meaning no grid penalty was applied to Askew. The team’s principal, Jos Verstappen, issued a statement supporting Askew’s apology and emphasising the importance of learning from mistakes in a development series as competitive as Formula 2.
For Indian fans, the incident will be replayed during the next Formula 2 highlight show on FanCode, scheduled for 10:30 IST on Sunday. The crash also highlights the growing talent pool in the feeder series, with both drivers being closely watched by Formula 1 teams for future seats.
Askew’s public contrition may help mitigate the backlash, but the episode serves as a reminder of how quickly a single mistake can end a driver’s race – and potentially impact championship standings. With the next round in Monaco, both drivers will be eager to bounce back, and the incident will likely be a talking point in pre‑race briefings.
Source: Reuters
