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LONDON. – Three-time world Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton rallied to the support of a teenage British motor racing driver who had both legs amputated in a horrific high-speed crash. Billy Monger (17) was left fighting for his life after the crash in a Formula Four race at Donington race track in England on Sunday, a smash which left him trapped in his car for around 90 minutes.

Now, a crowd-funding campaign has been set-up with a target of £260 000.

“I have only just seen the news of this tragic incident,” tweeted Mercedes star Hamilton with a link to the fund-raising site.

“Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, @BillyMonger.” Sergio Perez, a rival of Hamilton in the F1 championship, also appealed for help.

“Let’s help our fellow and his family thru this tough times! @BillyMonger,” tweeted the Mexican Force India driver.

The 17-year-old Monger was injured in a collision with a car being driven by Finland’s Patrik Pasma which appeared to have stopped on the track.

On board footage from a camera on Monger’s car showed him seeming to run into the back of Pasma’s stationary car.

After being trapped in his car for an hour and a half, the British driver was airlifted to hospital in nearby Nottingham.

“After being involved in one of the most horrific crashes motor-sport has seen Billy Monger is a teenager that needs little introduction.

‘‘Thousands of people have already watched the haunting footage of the crash which left Billy fighting for his life,” said a statement on the fund-raising page.

“Sadly Billy has had amputations to both legs.” – AFP.