Indian actor Ajith Kumar escapes unhurt in crash — what he did next won hearts

Dubai: Moments after crashing out of the GT4 European Series in Italy, Ajith Kumar was back on his feet — not in anger or frustration, but calmly helping clear wreckage from the Misano track. The Indian actor’s gesture won hearts across the motorsport world.

Ajith, a seasoned racer and leading star of Tamil cinema, was competing in the second round of the series at the Misano World Circuit on July 20 when his car collided with a stationary vehicle on the track. While the crash looked severe, he fortunately escaped without any injuries.

What followed was a rare moment of sportsmanship in high-level racing. In a video posted by the GT4 European Series on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Ajith is seen working alongside marshals, lifting debris and clearing the track to ensure the race could proceed safely.

The caption read: “Out of the race with damage, but still happy to help with the clean-up. Full respect, Ajith Kumar.”

A commentator in the video echoed the sentiment: “Ajith Kumar out of the car, out of the race. It’s the first significant bit of damage we’ve seen from him this year. He’s a fine champ; he goes and helps the marshals clear up all the body. Not many drivers would do that.”

Fans heap praise on star's humility

Social media was quick to respond, with fans and motorsport enthusiasts lauding the actor’s humility, discipline, and respect for the sport.

This is not the first time Ajith has drawn attention in the racing world. A motorsports enthusiast since the early 2000s, he competed in the Formula BMW Asia series in 2003 and later in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2010. Earlier this year, he took part in the Dubai 24 Hours endurance race, where he met with a minor accident during practice but went on to finish third.

Known for balancing a successful acting career with his racing ambitions, Ajith has continued to push boundaries in both fields. His passion for motorsports has made him a rare figure in Indian cinema — one who commands box-office success while also earning credibility on international tracks.

In recognition of his contributions to both cinema and racing, Ajith was awarded the Padma Bhushan earlier this year, India’s third-highest civilian honour.

Next move in cinema front

Currently on a break from films, Ajith is preparing for the third round of the GT4 European Series in Belgium. On the cinematic front, he is set to reunite with Good Bad Ugly director Adhik Ravichandran for his next project, the details of which are still under wraps.

Good Bad Ugly, released earlier this year, became his highest-grossing film in Tamil cinema history — a testament to Ajith’s enduring popularity on screen.

Ajith Kumar’s grounded gesture at Misano reminded fans why he continues to be one of the most admired stars, both on and off the track.