Former Formula One driver Martin Donnelly will return to an F1 car for the first time in more than three decades when he takes part in the Adelaide Motorsport Festival in Australia this weekend (February 28 – March 1).
The Belfast-born driver’s Formula One career was abruptly ended in 1990 following one of the most violent accidents in the sport’s history. Now, 36 years on, Martin will drive the legendary Hesketh 308 Formula 1 car in Adelaide, the very city where he was due to race before that crash changed everything.
In September 1990, while driving for Team Lotus, Martin suffered catastrophic injuries during official qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez when a suspension failure sent his car into the barriers at an estimated 283km/h. The car split in half on a 42g impact, ejecting him onto the track and leaving him with multiple fractures, brain and lung contusions. His body went into shock causing his internal organs to start to fail. He spent seven weeks on life support and was told he would never drive a Formula One car again.
“I was supposed to be in Adelaide in 1990, and I never made it,” Martin said. “My career stopped before I ever got the chance. That’s something that stays with you.”
While Martin has raced in other categories since his recovery, he has carried out various demonstration appearances in F1 cars at events around the UK. His appearance in Adelaide marks the first time he has ever driven an F1 car in Adelaide. This has given him the closure that has been missing since his accident.
“This isn’t about speed, competition or proving anything,” he said. “It’s about finishing something that was taken away from me. The Hesketh is a historic Formula 1 car, driven with respect and within limits, and that makes this moment possible. For me, Adelaide feels like closing a circle.”
The Hesketh 308, owned by Northern Ireland housebuilder James Hagan, is one of the most iconic cars of Formula One’s classic era. It launched the career of 1976 World Champion James Hunt and later featured in the film Rush.
Martin’s story reached a new global audience in 2025 when footage of his crash inspired the backstory of Brad Pitt’s character in F1: The Movie. Martin attended the film’s premiere as a guest of Brad Pitt and advised the actor during filming.
Reflecting on the movie, he continued: “Watching the crash recreated for the film was surreal. But driving an F1 car again, in the place I never got to race, is something else entirely. This is real.”
At the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, Martin will be joined by a line-up of current and former Formula One drivers, including Mika Häkkinen, David Coulthard, Valtteri Bottas, Thierry Boutsen, Stefan Johansson and Australia’s Will Davison, a two-time Bathurst 1000 winner, making the event one of the strongest historic F1 gatherings outside Europe.
Now based in Norfolk, England, Martin continues to work in motorsport as a driver coach, FIA steward and founder of the Donnelly Track Academy. He has also recently signed a publishing deal for a new book and remains in demand for speaking and ambassadorial roles. Martin will also be offering a selection of exceptionally coveted racing memorabilia for sale in the near future.
“I was told I wouldn’t walk properly again, never mind drive,” he said. “Racing drivers are stubborn by nature. Adelaide feels like a quiet victory, not just for me, but for everyone who helped me get back on my feet.”
For further information on Martin Donnelly check out https://www.donnellytrackacademy.com/