McLaren driver Fernando Alonso of Spain walks back to his team garage following the crash (AP Photo/Ross Land)
IN PICS: Alonso walks away from huge crash during Australia F1 Grand Prix
McLaren driver Fernando Alonso of Spain emerges from the wreck of his car after he collided with Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez of Mexico during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Theo Karanikos)
Melbourne: Fernando Alonso walked away from a spectacular crash that left his smashed McLaren scattered across the Albert Park circuit and brought a halt to the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Alonso's right wheel clipped Esteban Gutierrez's Haas at high speed going into turn three of the 18th lap and the impact sent the Spaniard's McLaren careening into a barrier, smashing it to pieces, before it flipped, rolled and flew end-over-end into another barrier.
The two-time world champion emerged from the wreckage and walked gingerly over to Mexican Gutierrez where the pair embraced.
"We believe he's OK. I'm sure his marbles are rattled a little bit," McLaren chairman Ron Dennis told Sky Sports.
The race was suspended as track staff swept debris away, bringing the rest of the cars back to pit before it resumed at 4:55 p.m. local time (0555 GMT) following a lap with the safety car.
Race control said the incident would be investigated.
Haas boss Gene Haas told Sky Sports: "It looked like Alonso was trying to overtake Esteban and just got squeezed and ran out of room and the tyres made contact and Alonso went for a hell of a ride."
Alonso, right, of Spain collides with Esteban Gutierrez (AP Photo/Theo Karanikos)
Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez, left, of Mexico and McLaren driver Fernando Alonso of Spain collide during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia(AP Photo/Theo Karanikos)
McLaren driver Fernando Alonso, left, of Spain and Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez of Mexico shake hands following the collision. (AP Photo/Theo Karanikos)
A track official assists the removal of Alonso's car (AP Photo/Theo Karanikos)
The wreck of McLaren driver Fernando Alonso of Spain sits on on the edge of the track. (AP Photo/Theo Karanikos)
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