Photo by Supermac1961, extracted from this file. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Photo by Supermac1961, extracted and cropped from this file. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.
September 28, 1990
Martin Donnelly from Belfast stepped into his Lotus for what was meant to be just another practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez.
But what happened next? That wasn’t just another day. It became one of the serious and memorable incident in the sport’s modern history.
Let’s look back at what really happened, on the track and beyond.
What caused the crash at Jerez?
Jerez is fast. Especially the final sector, with its sweeping corners that demand absolute confidence. He was right on the limit, leaning into a quick right-hander, when something went catastrophically wrong.
There was no warning. No smoke. No loss of control. Just a sudden technical issue. A suspension component broke at nearly 170 mph. The car veered off track, smashed into the barriers, and the car was heavily damaged. The Lotus was torn in half.
And the driver? Still strapped to his seat, the driver was involved in a serious incident but remained under control. At first glance, it looked like he hadn’t made it.
How did he survive?
Honestly, the situation was serious.
Medical teams attended immediately, and thanks to their quick response and expertise, the driver received care and support that helped him survive.
He was transported to a hospital for further treatment, where he continued his recovery. Against the odds, he eventually regained consciousness and began the long process of rehabilitation.
Who was the first to help?
Pierluigi Martini, who was driving for Minardi, acted quickly.
He stopped his car and positioned it across the track to alert other drivers and help manage the situation. His quick thinking and presence of mind contributed to a safer environment on track.
Soon after, Professor Watkins and the medical team arrived to provide professional care. The focus at that point was on ensuring the driver received the support needed.
Did he ever race again in Formula 1?
Not in a Grand Prix. It was his last appearance in Formula 1 at Jerez in 1990.
As for his recovery, he worked hard to regain mobility and mental focus. By 1993, he was even able to test a Jordan F1 car, though returning to regular racing in F1 was no longer possible.
Still, he never left the sport. Coaching, managing junior drivers, and competing in other categories, he stayed close to the paddock. Once you’ve been part of F1, it never really lets go.
Why was Brad Pitt so moved by his story?
Brad Pitt came across the story, and it hit hard.
The plot? A veteran driver returning after a devastating crash. Sound familiar?
Pitt was captivated, not just by the footage, but by the resilience behind it. He met the man. Heard every detail. And walked away calling him “a real-life hero.”
“You see that crash,” Pitt said, “and wonder how he survived. Then you meet him and realize the survival was only half the story.”
He later brought him on as a consultant for the film, seeking insight only someone who’d faced the edge could provide.
What did Senna say?
Ayrton Senna, who had shared time with him at Lotus, was visibly shaken.
He didn’t say much to reporters. He didn’t need to. Instead, he got back in his car and set the fastest lap of the session. That was Senna’s way of processing fear, through focus, through speed.
Quietly, he reached out to the family. Offered help. Travel, doctors, whatever they needed.
What did others say about the crash?
Derek Warwick, his Lotus teammate, called it “an incredible moment I’ll never forget.”
Frank Dernie, then Lotus technical director, was amazed at how well he handled the incident.
Motorsport media described it as “remarkable.”
In garages and forums, fans focused not on the incident itself, but on the comeback, the determination, and quiet strength. He may not have returned to racing in F1, but he returned to life — and that inspired many.
The echo of that day
It has been over three decades, but for anyone who saw it, the incident remains memorable—a reminder of how quickly situations can change in motorsport.
What followed was even more remarkable: the recovery, the resilience, and the quiet return to the world.
That moment wasn’t just about a racing incident—it became a testament to determination and strength. And that’s why it still matters—to fans, to actors, to drivers who dedicate themselves to the sport.
