Carlos Sainz Sr was taken to hospital for medical checks after a huge crash while racing in Italy.
The 60-year-old has been rallying for more than 40 years, and is currently part of the Extreme E championship. He was racing in the all-electric series on Thursday when his car barrel rolled after being hit by a rival.
Sainz had managed to squeeze into the lead in the early stages of the Island X-Prix in Sardinia. But the race was red flagged when Johan Kristoffersson, racing for Nico Rosberg 's RXR, collided with the Spaniard, sending him into the roll.
Fortunately, the father of the Ferrari Formula 1 star of the same name was able to get out of his ODYSSEY 21, with help from rescuers. But it was clear to see that he was unsteady on his feet and clearly in some discomfort.
Extreme E chief Alejandro Agag said after the race: "He received a full check up in hospital as a precaution but was cleared and released this evening. The safety of our drivers is our greatest concern. Myself, along with the whole Extreme E family wish Carlos well and we hope to see him back in action this weekend for the next X Prix."
Kristoffersson and Rosberg X Racing were slapped with a 30 second penalty for causing the smash. That punishment opened the door for Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price to secure a first Extreme E victory for No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing.
Meanwhile, Sainz Sr later took to social media to let fans know that he was okay – but blasted what he clearly felt was a soft penalty for the rival who had caused the crash. "Luckily all the medical checks were fine and I have just been released from the hospital, although I feel quite a lot of pain," said the 60-year-old.
"I am really disappointed nevertheless with what happened on the track and even more so with the fact that there was only a 30-second penalty for [the driver] who caused this big accident. In over 40 years in motorsport, this is one of the most serious actions that I have ever seen without an exemplary penalty. Thanks a lot to everyone for your messages of support."
