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Coulthard on Spa: Broken Leg After Heavy Crash in Junior Formula
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard reflects on the unforgiving nature of Spa-Francorchamps and his own violent accident there.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-07-16T13:10:53.000Z - 1 min read
David Coulthard, the Scottish former Formula 1 driver, recently reflected on the uncompromising reputation of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. He shared memories of a frightening crash during his junior formula days on the legendary Belgian track.
The severity of the crash at the time was such that it resulted in a broken leg. The former Grand Prix winner underscored the inherent dangers of the circuit, which has been known for decades for its challenging character.
Coulthard, a winner of thirteen Formula 1 races, also highlighted the significant differences between current Formula 1 cars and those from the 1990s—particularly in how these machines tackle Spa's challenging corner combinations.
The infamous section of Eau Rouge and Raidillon was specifically discussed. This iconic passage has demanded the absolute maximum from both driver and machinery for decades, regardless of the generation of cars.