A British racing driver survived a fiery crash after a rival Dutch driver risked his career to pull him from the flames, with F1 champion Max Verstappen calling the act “unbelievable” and “beautiful.” The incident occurred during a China GT Championship event at the Shanghai International Circuit on 6 September 2026, when Ollie Millroy, 36, was trapped in his burning Ferrari. Loek Hartog, a 23-year-old Dutch driver, abandoned his race to save him, a decision that has since been lauded as heroic.
Video footage captured the moment Hartog sprinted toward the fireball, using a fire extinguisher from his own car to douse the flames before dragging Millroy to safety. The crash happened as Millroy’s Ferrari spiraled off the track during a bend, engulfed in flames as smoke billowed into the air. Hartog, who had been racing against Millroy, immediately parked his car and rushed to the wreckage. When I saw a car turning into a huge fireball far ahead, there wasn’t really a decision to make,
Hartog later said, according to the Daily Mail. I stopped, got out, and went towards the car.
Hartog struggled to free Millroy from the vehicle, requiring the fire extinguisher to combat the blaze. Fire crews arrived minutes later, but Hartog and track staff had already pulled Millroy to safety. The incident left Millroy with five broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a broken hand and finger, and a bruised lung. It could have been much worse,
he later wrote on social media, according to GP Fans. Millroy’s post included a hospital bed photo, with the caption: One day I will tell our three kids this story and Loek will be the biggest superhero in history in their eyes too.
Moment Brit racing driver's Ferrari bursts into flames after
Hartog downplayed his actions, stating: From what I could see, I naturally assumed the driver couldn’t get out on his own, so I stopped, got out, and went over to the car. I never had any doubts,
as quoted by GP Fans. The Dutch driver’s quote was shared on his own social media channels, where he emphasized that there was never a moment of doubt.
F1 champion Max Verstappen praised Hartog’s unbelievable bravery,
calling it a really beautiful moment
in a statement at the Italian Grand Prix. It was unbelievable, he did an amazing job,
Verstappen said, according to the Daily Mail. I have huge respect for that. I think he wouldn’t have made it through without him.
Verstappen, a four-time F1 world champion, highlighted the significance of Hartog’s quick thinking, noting that the footage of the incident made global headlines.
The sequence of events, captured on a camera near the driver’s seat of Hartog’s car, showed him frantically rummaging through the Ferrari’s remains to free Millroy. Despite the danger, Hartog’s actions were described as “selfless” by Millroy, who later wrote: I am still alive tonight, entirely thanks to one man. @loekhartog_ stopped instantly with no flag marshalls or fire crews in sight, and risked his own life to get me out of the car.
F1 champion Max Verstappen hails 'unbelievable' driver for saving
Millroy’s injuries included a bruised lung, which he attributed to the “miraculous” intervention. He also mentioned that he doesn’t remember anything between 30 seconds before the crash and 1 hour after it,
but emphasized that Hartog’s act would be the biggest superhero in history in their eyes too
when he told the story to his three children. The incident underscored the risks inherent in motorsport and the critical role of quick thinking in emergencies, with Hartog’s decision to prioritize human life over competition highlighting the ethical dimensions of racing.
Both drivers’ accounts, shared across social media and news outlets, have since been widely circulated, cementing Hartog’s reputation as a “superhero” in the motorsport community. Millroy’s recovery remains ongoing, but his gratitude for Hartog’s actions has resonated beyond the track, with fans and peers alike praising the moment as a testament to sportsmanship. The China GT Championship, where the incident occurred, is part of the broader motorsport landscape, with Hartog’s actions now a topic of discussion among teams and fans alike.
Hartog’s bravery has also drawn attention to the safety protocols at racing events, with some questioning why marshals or medical personnel were not present immediately after the crash. However, the Dutch driver’s swift response ensured Millroy’s survival, a fact that Verstappen emphasized in his praise. The incident has since been cited as a rare example of on-track heroism, with motorsport officials likely to review procedures in light of the event.
As of 6 September 2026, Millroy remains in the hospital, with updates expected on his recovery. Hartog, meanwhile, has not yet commented on the potential impact of his actions on his career, though his reputation as a selfless competitor has been solidified. The event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsport and the courage required to navigate its dangers.
