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An Alpine mechanic was hit by driver Pierre Gasly at the Chinese Grand Prix.

During the Frenchman’s first pit stop, an error occurred while fixing one of his new rear tyres.

Gasly’s stop went wrong but it could have been worseCredit: F1 TV

It had looked like the rear-right wheel was fixed on but when Gasly was allowed to get moving again.

However it quickly became apparent there was an issue.

As Gasly pulled away from his mechanics the wheel, which hadn’t been tightened came loose and struck one of them.

The hefty tyre knocked the mechanic to the ground with a teammate helping him.

And Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz added he was a little ‘bashed and bruised’.

Later, Gasly asked after his colleague with the reply on the radio clarifying he was okay.

Stewards will later look into the incident but as yet there is no confirmation if any action will be taken.

Moments later a safety car was out on track with as Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas saw his engine fail.

Gasly pitted as usual but things quickly went wrongCredit: F1 TV

Gasly pulled away despite his right-rear tyre not being tightened and the wheel struck a mechanicCredit: F1 TV

The mechanic hit the floor and Gasly, luckily stopped instantlyCredit: F1 TV

The mechanic is believed to be okay despite the hitCredit: F1 TV

Alpine is not trying to kill one of the mechanics in pits.

Gasly going away without the wheel. #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/KzrwkrHTdj

— Maxx | F1newsletter.com (@F1_Newsletter) April 21, 2024

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen eventually won the race with ease, despite numerous safety car interventions.

McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed second ahead of Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez.

After a horrendous qualifying session, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finished ninth behind Oscar Piastri.