British teenager Billy Monger drew plaudits from Formula 1 and across the world of motorsport on Saturday after finishing third on his F3 debut less than a year after his legs were amputated.
The 18-year-old walked on to the podium on prosthetic legs after competing in a specially adapted car at the opening race of the British Formula Three championship at Oulton Park circuit.
Four-times world champion Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team joined Formula One drivers and others on Twitter in congratulating the youngster for his remarkable comeback achievement.
Monger lost his legs after a Formula Four crash at Donington Park last April, with more than $1-million raised to help his recovery through a crowdfunding campaign.
The accident, with the teenager smashing into the back of a stationary car, led to Formula 1’s governing body ordering a change to the rear jack points of cars for safety reasons.
The Formula 1 world is impressed:
What an inspiration you are!!!! #NeverGiveUp https://t.co/vuW7rUr0BB
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) April 1, 2018
Impressive job by @BillyMonger in his first Qualy session! You’re an inspiration to all of us mate… best of luck! Go get that podium! 👊👊
— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) March 31, 2018
Congrats Billy ! Never give up has never been so true 👍
Wishing you all the best for the future races and the season https://t.co/N5Lco8WFWv— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) March 31, 2018
BRAVO!! https://t.co/nJrZ8grELZ
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) March 31, 2018
P3 Baby! Huge thanks to @CarlinRacing and a special mention for @Chilychilton for helping me make this possible! 🏁 #BillyWhizz pic.twitter.com/HAciAQ8WaL
— billywhizz (@BillyMonger) March 31, 2018
Amazing dedication, commitment, what a guy!!! Respect & congrats @BillyMonger 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/2muN9RLyZ2
— Pierre Gasly 🇫🇷 (@PierreGASLY) March 31, 2018
Just incredible…@BillyMonger scores P3 on his @BRDCBritishF3 debut ✊#DrivenByEachOther #BillyWhizz pic.twitter.com/mtVMsF18KQ
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) March 31, 2018
What a return! Go, Billy 👊 https://t.co/O8NOh5rzqj
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 31, 2018