Billy Monger crash: Fundraising for teen Formula 4 driver who lost both legs in horror smash tops £650,000

Original target was set at £260,000 to help 17-year-old return to 'full and active life'

Billy Monger has been described as an 'extremely talented young driver' (Instagram)

A crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a 17-year-old racing driver who had both of his legs amputated after a “horrific” crash has raised more than £650,000.

Billy Monger hit another car during a Formula 4 race on Sunday at Donington Park.

The fundraising page, set up by the head of Billy’s team, Steven Hunter, had aimed to raise £260,000. Donations have since flooded in, including £15,000 from F1 driver Jenson Button and £26,000 from his former Formula 4 rival Devlin DeFrancesco.

"Donations will be used to fund the care, treatments and therapies required by Billy in the immediate future and going forward, helping him to return to a full and active life,” Mr Hunter wrote on the page.

“Billy is a complete one off, a cracking young man with a spark that makes it impossible for anyone not to like him. Full of spirit, Billy is one of those people that instantly lights up a room.”

Messages of support from well wishers and industry professionals also poured in, and the hashtag #billywhizz has been widely shared on social media.

“Embrace the love from your family and friends during this tough time in your life, get well soon buddy,” a message accompanying Button’s donation read.

Lewis Hamilton also tweeted his support, saying: “Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, @BillyMonger.”

Billy had been competing in the F4 British Championship when he ran into the back of another car on the track.