Alonso survives frightening Australian GP crash

The Spaniard was battling with Esteban Gutierrez for 19th position when, under braking for Turn 3, he ran into the left rear wheel of his Haas rival.

Alonso's front right wheel was ripped off and he was left a passenger as his McLaren was pitched in to the wall on the left.

At barely abated speed, his skipped sideways in to the gravel trap and was pitched in to a series of spectacular rolls.

The Spaniard ended up upside down against the barriers, but was able to climb out of the car unaided – although appeared to be unsteady on his feet at first.

He shook hands with Gutierrez shortly afterwards but, with debris all across the track, the FIA had no choice but to stop the race.

Alonso was later able to walk to the nearby medical car and waved at crowds – indicating he had escaped any injury.

After being checked at the medical centre, he was given the all clear and returned to the team hospitality unit in the paddock.

“I was aware he was behind, I braked into Turn 3 and everything came by surprise from the rear I need to see the video to see what happened,” Gutierrez told the BBC.

“Thankfully we are alright, also Fernando thank god.

“It was a very, very scary moment and the first thing I knew when my car stopped, I looked in my mirror and was really worried. I jumped out and ran to him and a big relief to see he was okay.

“It was a real moment of shock for both of us. I came to him and I was there to realise everything was fine for him.”