Morgan Piek

Bloemfontein - A track worker at the Canadian Grand Prix died Sunday after being run over by a crane removing a car from the course after the checkered flag.

The man, who wasn't immediately identified, died after being taken by helicopter to a hospital. Formula One spokesman Matteo Bonciani said the man dropped his radio after the recovery vehicle had lifted the car to return it to the pits.

As he attempted to pick it up, he stumbled and was hit and run over, Bonciani said.

The man who is said to be 38-years old had been working at the track for the last 10 years. His untimely and tragic death is also first loss of life at the Formula One in 10 -years.

Germany’s three-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel won the race, and picked up his first Formula 1 win on North-American soil.

Spain Fernando Alonso came in second, with Britain’s Lewis Hamilton picking up the final spot on the podium.

Sebastian Vettal  leads the drivers championship by 36 points with Kimi Raikkonen in second, followed by Fernando Alonso.

Vettels' team Reb Bull comfortably lead the Constructors Championship, followed by Ferrari and Lotus.