Car occupant endures intense agony within the vehicle's cab

The Dutch Grand Prix, held on July 29, 1973, at the Zandvoort racetrack, was marred by a tragic accident that shook the Formula 1 community. The driver who lost his life that day was François Cevert.

In the eighth round of the race, Cevert lost control of his car. The accident occurred in the "Tunnel Oost" section of the track, where his March flipped over and slid along the right guardrail with the rear of the car on fire. The fire raged wildly, with black smoke rising, and the tragedy could not be prevented.

Roger Williamson, driving behind Cevert, stopped to help but realized the situation was hopeless as Cevert was trapped in his burning car. Marshals at the scene had no fire-resistant clothing, and David Purley, who attempted to right the wrecked racing car, was unable to extinguish the flames.

Williamson was conscious during the accident and begged for help from Purley. Despite his efforts, Purley was unable to save Williamson. The fire department was sent to the scene during the ongoing race, but it was too late.

The accident sparked criticism from drivers and authorities alike. Denis Hulme criticized the authorities for Williamson's death, but race director Ben Huisman defended the delayed response. Huisman was later removed as race director.

Numerous modernizations had improved the safety standard of the circuit since the accident. However, it is worth noting that Formula 1 had avoided the circuit for two years prior to the event due to safety concerns.

Despite the tragedy, the race continued, and Jackie Stewart and Francois Cevert won the race for Tyrrell. The win was a bittersweet victory for the team, as Cevert had dedicated the win to the memory of his friend and fellow driver, François Cevert.

David Purley's bravery during the accident did not go unnoticed. He received the George Medal, the second-highest civilian British bravery award, for his actions during the accident.

The tragic accident at the 1973 Dutch Grand Prix served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Formula 1 drivers and the importance of safety measures in motorsport. The memory of François Cevert and Roger Williamson lives on as a testament to the risks and sacrifices made in the pursuit of racing excellence.