British racing driver Ollie Millroy has expressed his gratitude to fellow driver Loek Hartog after the Dutch racer helped pull him from a burning Ferrari during a terrifying China GT Championship crash in Shanghai.
Millroy was involved in a multi-car accident during Saturday’s race at the Shanghai International Circuit. His Ferrari became engulfed in flames, leaving him trapped inside the car as Hartog immediately stopped his own vehicle and rushed to help.
Hartog first attempted to reach Millroy through the driver’s side before using a fire extinguisher to tackle the flames. He then managed to free Millroy from the opposite side of the car and move him away from the burning vehicle.
Millroy later said he believed Hartog’s actions had saved his life. In a message shared on social media, the British driver thanked his rival for risking his own safety to rescue him and said he would remember the act of bravery for the rest of his life.
The 36-year-old suffered several injuries in the crash, including broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, injuries to his hand and finger, and a bruised lung. Despite the seriousness of his injuries, Millroy said the situation could have been much worse.
Hartog, 23, played down the praise and said he acted instinctively after seeing Millroy's Ferrari engulfed in flames. He explained that he believed the driver might not be able to escape on his own, leaving him with little hesitation about stopping to help.
The incident has also raised questions about safety procedures at the event. Reports said there were concerns about the speed of the emergency response, while Millroy's team criticised the handling of the accident and announced that it would withdraw from the remaining China GT events. Organisers have said they will review shortcomings in their safety and emergency procedures.
The dramatic rescue has highlighted the risks involved in motorsport while also drawing widespread praise for Hartog's quick response. For Millroy, the focus now turns to recovery after surviving an accident that could have ended far more seriously.