MICK SCHUMACHER has crashed out of a soggy practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Torrential rain made for terrible conditions at the Suzuka circuit with drivers limited in how many laps they could complete.
Schumacher, 23, had completed his session and was heading back to the pits when he lost control of the rear of his car.
The wet conditions caused him to spin at turn seven and he violently hit the barriers, leading to considerable damage to his front wing.
He was unharmed and was able to get out of the vehicle unscathed.
Schumacher said over team radio: “Ah, I just had a huge aquaplaning.”
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Aquaplaning occurs as a result of water build-up in the tyres and creates a loss of traction and reduces steering ability, meaning the Haas driver was helpless to avoid the crash.
Elsewhere, a cautious Max Verstappen completed just four laps, with the Red Bull star keen to avoid crashing too.
The Dutchman can claim the F1 championship this weekend with a race win and fastest lap, so he was careful not to put that at risk.
Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are looking to stop Verstappen and were quick in practice before also winding down their efforts because of the weather.
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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell only completed ten laps between them.
They too showed hesitancy, recording the 13th and 18th quickest times respectively, with Hamilton 2.3 seconds off the pace.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
