Double Incidents at China GT Shanghai Round; Team Protests Withdrawal Over Rescue Failures

On September 5–6, 2026, two major accidents occurred consecutively during the Shanghai round of the China GT Championship. During Lap 7 of Race 1 on September 5, Car No. 37 and Car No. 33 collided while battling on track, veering off course and striking the side fuel tank area of Car No. 91, causing it to catch fire. British driver Ollie Millory became trapped in his cockpit, and trackside rescue personnel failed to arrive promptly. Rock Hartog, driver of Car No. 79 for Phantom Racing, stopped his car to assist, pulling Millory out after approximately 49 seconds. Millory was later diagnosed with fractures to five ribs, his collarbone, and fingers, as well as pulmonary contusions. Car No. 33 driver Yang Baijie stated that on-site rescue staff fled due to fear, the ambulance arrived only 15 minutes after the crash, and some personnel were unable to operate fire extinguishers. Post-race stewards reportedly did not visit or express concern for the injured driver but instead blamed the drivers for the incident. Yang Baijie announced his permanent withdrawal from China GT. FIST_Auto, Millory’s team, issued a statement accusing the event organizers of serious negligence in emergency response and safety rescue protocols. The team declared its immediate withdrawal from all China GT events until the organizing committee completes an independent and public investigation. On September 6, the China GT Organizing Committee issued an apology, acknowledging that “detailed management needs improvement” and pledging a thorough review and investigation. Later that day, during Race 2, Wang Yibo advanced from 17th on the grid to third in his class, but retired after sustaining severe damage to his rear diffuser when Car No. 116 struck his side door from the inside at Turn 11. The organizing committee stated it would launch an investigation. Wang Yibo confirmed he was unharmed; the previous day, he and co-driver Mao Junhao had secured their first victory of the season. Xiaomi Auto is the title sponsor of the 2026 China GT season, having signed a title sponsorship agreement with the series in March 2026.