Maximilian Paul has left hospital following serious accident

The first DTM race at the Norisring was marred by a horrific crash. Whilst braking for the Grundig hairpin, Maximilian Paul lost control of his Lamborghini Temerario GT3 on a patch of oil, crashed violently into the barrier and then struck Kelvin van der Linde at high speed on the driver’s side before crashing into the tyre barrier at the first corner.

The Lamborghini works driver from Dresden was diagnosed with a lower leg fracture, involving both the tibia and fibula. He also sustained an injury to a lumbar vertebra. Paul underwent surgery during the night from Saturday to Sunday and is now on the road to recovery.

The accident was a major setback for me. My thanks go to all the first responders and the doctors who looked after me so brilliantly. Now it’s time to look ahead. I’m stepping back for the time being to look after my body and my health, and I’ll be back in full force soon. I’ll be in hospital for the next few days, after which I’ll be heading into rehabilitation. I really appreciate the support of my family, my team, my friends and everyone who is thinking of me at the moment, and I’ll be consciously focusing on this support and my recovery in the coming weeks. “I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the many kind words and get-well wishes. They give me strength and sustain me on my journey back,” said Maximilian Paul following the accident.

On Friday, the Dresden native left the hospital, as his girlfriend Patricija Stalidzane showed in a photo posted to her Instagram Story. In the picture, Paul held his crutches aloft and was walking unaided. It is as yet unclear whether the young Saxon will compete in the DTM again this year. Team boss Gottfried Grasser expressed scepticism about this at the Norisring.

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