A Formula 4 race at the iconic Imola circuit descended into chaos as a 15-car crash unfolded on Saturday.
On a weekend where the world of motorsport turns its attention to the Hungarian Grand Prix, a number of budding drivers took to the track in Italy to gain valuable experience.
Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri spent time in Formula 4 before making their way to biggest stage and drivers aiming to follow in their footsteps turned out at the former home of the San Marino Grand Prix.
Unfortunately however, what should have been a showcase of future stars the sport nearly ended in tragedy.
During the second race of the day, and with 39 cars on the grid, carnage ensued after a driver failed to move when the lights went out.
The other competitors attempted to avoid the stationary vehicle on the start line by swerving out of the way.
Chaos unfolded during a Formula 4 race on Saturday as fifteen cars were involved in a crash
Debris was sent flying across the iconic Imola circuit in Italy as drivers attempted to avoid a stationary vehicle
Spectators watched on in horror as the carnage unfolded though remarkably none of the drivers were injured
A collision subsequently ensued involving several cars, with debris sent flying across the track.
Yellow flags were immediately raised but the proximity of the cars led to a pile-up.
Stewards then opted to suspend the race before abandoning it entirely, reportedly due to the track’s noise curfew.
Astonishingly, despite the carnage, none of the drivers involved are said to have been injured in the incident.
The shocking scenes come just months after a similar pile-up occured during a Formula 2 feature race in Monaco.
No fewer than 11 drivers found themselves on the list of retirements after an early collision between Alex Dunne and Victor Martins, with red flags waved to suspend the race.