Nascar driver, 17, killed in heartbreaking crash that left brother injured too

A 17-year-old NASCAR driver was tragically killed in a car accident on Sunday that left his elder brother seriously injured.

Federico Gutierrez, better known as Fico, lost his life after the car he and his brother Max were in collided with another vehicle in the early hours of Sunday morning on a highway near Valle de Bravo, west of Mexico City.

Federico was pronounced dead at the scene and Max, 20, was airlifted to Mexico City hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening.

The world of Mexican motorsport has fallen into mourning, with NASCAR Mexico releasing an emotional statement concerning the two young drivers.

“We are devastated by the loss of our friend and driver Federico Gutiérrez Hoppe,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gutiérrez family during this difficult time.”

NASCAR Mexico president Jimmy Morales added: “We are struck by the deepest and immense sadness for the death of Fico.

“His life was fueled by his passion for motorsports and he will forever be a part of our memories. We will miss him very, very much. Today, we say goodbye to a truly wonderful human being and I will always remember the laughs we shared.”

Federico was a star in the Mexican Truck Series and was named as the 2022 Nascar Mexico Challenge Series Rookie of The Year.

Brother Max Gutierrez competes in the premiere Mexico NASCAR Series and has also driven in NASCAR events in the United States.

A mass was organised for Federico on Monday at the J. Garcia Lopez Casa Pedregal funeral home in Mexico City.