Monegasque racing protege Charles Leclerc escaped serious injury on Sunday after Fernando Alonso’s car landed on top of him in a spectacular accident in the early stages of the Belgium Grand Prix in Spa.

The so-called ‘halo’, a new safety device designed to protect the driver’s head, was seriously damaged in the collision. The device has not been popular with drivers, but it would appear that in this instance it may have saved the F1 rookie from serious injury or worse.

Charles Leclerc said on his Twitter account: “I have never been a fan of the halo, but I must say that I was very happy to have it above my head today.”