F1 driver loses steering wheel in airborne accident

On this day 15 years ago, the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix featured one of the most bizarre accidents in modern F1.

Sebastian Vettel dominated the second round of the season at the Sepang International Circuit, but it was an airborne incident involving Vitaly Petrov that provided one of the race's most dramatic moments.

The Russian driver's afternoon ended spectacularly on lap 52 when his Renault launched into the air after hitting a drainage gully, breaking the steering column and forcing him out whilst running in eighth position.

Petrov had slid wide on marbles at Turn 8 and, attempting to rejoin the circuit, encountered a bump caused by the drainage system that catapulted his car skyward. 

The landing was severe enough to cause terminal damage to the steering components. The impact was so hard that the steering wheel jolted off the steering column and was left in Petrov's hands.

"I knew it was a big kerb, but I was not expecting such a big jump," Petrov explained after the incident.

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How the race unfolded

The race itself was dominated by Vettel, who converted pole position into victory by 3.261 seconds over Jenson Button, with Nick Heidfeld completing the podium for Renault.

Challenging weather conditions made tyre management crucial, with the top three all employing three-stop strategies. 

Button showcased exceptional tyre conservation, maintaining hard compound tyres from his final stop on lap 38 through to the finish.

Heidfeld's third place marked a milestone for Renault, representing the 100th podium in the team's F1 history. 

The German also successfully defended his position from Mark Webber's Red Bull, which had attempted a four-stop strategy in contrast to the winning approach.

Lewis Hamilton endured a difficult afternoon, slumping from second on the grid to eighth at the flag as his pace deteriorated significantly during the second half of the race. The result allowed Vettel to extend his championship lead to 24 points over Button.

The retirement for Petrov was classified as an accident, ending what had been a solid run in the points-paying positions before the steering failure brought his race to a premature and dramatic conclusion.