Japanese GP: Vettel, Perez, Ocon express deep concern on recovery vehicle issue

Whilst Max Verstappen’s title win will grab the headlines in Formula 1 this weekend, we must not forget that we escaped a potentially very serious accident involving Pierre Gasly and a recovery vehicle.

Verstappen would eventually win the Japanese Grand Prix and the championship following a lengthy delay due to heavy rain and a red flag caused by Carlos Sainz crashing, with his Ferrari needing to be hoisted away by a recovery vehicle.

However, the vehicle took to the circuit before the red flag was flown and before the pack had all bunched up behind the Safety Car, with Pierre Gasly hammering around trying to catch up with the rest of the drivers.

It left us with the very concerning scene of the Frenchman flying past the recovery vehicle at a fair rate of knots, in the treacherous conditions, and any sort of catastrophe could have struck given the circumstances.

It brought back horrible memories of what happened with Jules Bianchi in similar conditions at the same track almost ten years ago, and many of the drivers expressed their worry both during the red flag period and after the Grand Prix.

Speaking in the media pen after the race, the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Sergio Perez and Gasly himself offered their views on the near miss, whilst Esteban Ocon told Sky Sports what he thought on the matter elsewhere in the paddock.

Take a look at what was said below.

VIDEOS: F1 DRIVERS REFLECT ON PIERRE GASLY’S NEAR MISS WITH RECOVERY TRUCK

"Today, we were just lucky"Sebastian Vettel says Formula 1 need to learn from the incident today involving the recovery tractor coming onto the track. pic.twitter.com/rWi5Rjhe9p

"The lowest point we've seen in the sport in years"Sergio Perez gives his view on the recovery tractor coming onto