» Manslaughter charges for former F1 driver

Former F1 driver JJ Lehto is facing charges of manslaughter relating to a boat accident last year.

A passenger of the Finn – who drove for Onyx, Dallara, Sauber and Benetton for six seasons between 1989-94 – was killed when the speedboat they were travelling collided with a bridge pylon late at night on the Finnish waterways.

Lehto suffered head injuries from the accident and claims no recollection of the accident, although he also failed a police blood alcohol test following the smash.

But reports from his homeland state that the 44-year-old could face charges of manslaughter, with police having concluded he was behind the wheel when the accident happened.

Reports also claim Lehto has been fined for reckless driving, with claims he was travelling some eight times above the prescribed 5 knot speed limit applicable to that stretch of water. There are also claims he could be sued by the deceased’s family for damages.

[Original image via Flickr]