"It was obviously frustrating for my race because the car just had the puncture and there's no doubt we had the pace to come back to P6 today, but I'm just glad that Zhou was OK."

As closeup replays of the accident were not immediately available, shocked fans back home had to wait anxiously for an update on Zhou's condition.

So, there was an enormous sense of relief when the sport's governing body, the FIA, advised that the drivers were conscious and being evaluated. The FIA later announced that Zhou was "in good health" and had left the medical center.

"I think we can all agree that the most important thing today is seeing Zhou come out of such a huge crash without any injury. What we witnessed were dramatic scenes, and once again we have to thank the great improvements in safety spearheaded by the FIA and Formula 1 for a positive outcome," said Frederic Vasseur, Alfa Romeo's team principal.

"The work to improve safety in our sport is never done and today reminds us of just how important this is. Zhou is OK and fit to race in Austria next week, and this is the big victory of the day."

When the race eventually resumed, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz took the checkered flag in first.

Earlier on Sunday, the halo device saved Roy Nissany from serious injury in the Formula 2 race when Dennis Hauger's car landed on top of the Israeli's cockpit. Hauger also escaped unhurt.

Last season Lewis Hamilton was grateful for the halo when Max Verstappen's Red Bull ended up on top of his cockpit in a scary incident at Monza.

"First and foremost, the main thing today is that Zhou is fine. It was a big shunt, and I'm glad that nothing serious happened and that he has already been cleared by the FIA. Today, we got additional proof on how the halo is one of the greatest innovations in F1, and how safety has improved in recent years," said Zhou's Alfa Romeo teammate Valtteri Bottas, who retired with gearbox issues.

The Canadian GP late last month marked the first time that Zhou made it through to Q3 in qualifying, and he eventually finished eighth to earn four precious points.

"Qualifying was a challenge, but I would say I didn't do too bad for a rookie! It was my first time driving in F1 in Silverstone in the wet," said Zhou after qualifying.

"It feels amazing to score back-to-back Q3 appearances," the 23-year-old added. "I feel like I'm growing as a Formula 1 driver and I am really happy about that."

Remarkably, Zhou is already looking ahead to the next grand prix. "I'm keener than ever to get back on track and do what I love," he said. "I'm fit and I'm looking forward to Austria next week."

shifutian@chinadaily.com.cn