Formula 1 security boss who fractured skull in Silverstone buggy crash sues for over £200k

The F1 safety boss who suffered a skull fracture and brain damage after a 4×4 drive at Silverstone is suing for more than £200,000.

Peter Holdsworth, 66, was security manager at the British racing home of Northants when his commercial vehicle suddenly rolled over, throwing him onto the road surface.

Mr Holdsworth suffered brain damage and a skull fracture in the crash, as well as a serious foot injury, and is now suing circuit bosses for over £200,000 in the High Court.

Unbeknownst to him, he claims that the John Deere Gator 4×4’s tires are not suitable for road use, but are designed for off-road locations, and therefore require extra caution on paved roads.

But Silverstone Circuits Limited denies liability and accuses Mr Holdsworth of hitting the curb while driving too fast, not wearing a seatbelt and without both hands on the steering wheel.

Mr Holdsworth, of Market Harborough, Leicestershire, had been working as safety boss at the circuit for five years at the time of the crash, according to documents lodged at the High Court.

His lawyer, Richard Wheeler, said he was injured while driving to the race track in a rented 4×4 on the morning of August 4, 2024.

“He was considering driving down a hill and through a tunnel under the race track,” Mr Holdsworth’s claim details say.

“The plaintiff lost control of the vehicle while turning down the hill leading to the tunnel and the vehicle overturned and ended up on its side.

“During the accident, the plaintiff was thrown out of the open driver’s side of the vehicle and was seriously injured.

“He was transported to hospital by ambulance and remained an inpatient for two months, suffering a severe left foot injury with a traumatic brain injury, skull fractures and multiple foot fractures.”

The security director also suffered a fractured left ankle, a fracture to the bone behind his ear, ear bleeding, as well as a number of psychological consequences.

“His gait has changed and his walking distance has greatly reduced,” the lawyer said. “He had cognitive problems,

hearing, loss of balance, flashbacks, nightmares and depression.

“He was unable to return to work, driving, or his usual hobbies and activities.”

Mr. Wheeler said the accident was caused by his employers not training him in the use of the Gator, particularly because its tires were designed for off-road use, with the operator’s manual detailing that paved surfaces “can seriously affect the handling and control of the vehicle” and require slow speeds.

The official also said there had been “no adequate risk assessment” of using such a vehicle on racetrack roads.

“The vehicle was not suitable for use at the scene of the accident… it was designed for off-road use only, it was dangerous to drive on a paved road, it was dangerous on a hill and accidental contact with raised curbs could cause the vehicle to overturn,” he said.

“In addition, the open side of the vehicle meant it was unsafe to navigate the business.

“Since the vehicle was not designed to be used on an asphalt road, the traffic route was not suitable; the traffic route was too narrow for the vehicle to proceed safely.

“Had an appropriate and adequate risk assessment been carried out, it would have identified the risks and determined the actions to be taken against them.”

However, in his defense of the case recently presented to the court, Silverstone’s lawyer Charles Woodhouse KC said it was actually Mr Holdsworth who was responsible for the accident.

“The accident occurred because the plaintiff was driving too fast and struck a curb, causing the Gator to roll over,” the company said in its defense lawsuit.

“Mr Holdsworth was seen driving towards the Copse Tunnel at excessive speed and without wearing a seatbelt. CCTV footage shows he was not holding the steering wheel with both hands.

“While turning towards the Copse Tunnel and driving down the hill towards the Copse Tunnel, the plaintiff broke the curb of the lane divider, causing the Gator to roll onto its side. The plaintiff was ejected from the Gator.

“If plaintiff had been wearing a seatbelt, he would not have been ejected from the Gator.”

Dismissing claims that the Gator was not roadworthy, Gator described the vehicle as “roadworthy” and “suitable for use on a variety of terrain around Silverstone, including highways, gravel and grass areas”.

“The Gators are also easy to get in and out of and have an easily accessible loading bed for transporting equipment,” he continued.

“The Gator is suitable for anyone with a driver’s license and no special training is required for a qualified driver to drive a Gator.”

The case has not yet gone before a judge but will be listed for a full hearing on Mr Holdsworth’s claim at a later date unless the parties reach an agreement out of court.