Watch: Fernando Alonso survives life threatening crash at Australian GP

The Australian Grand Prix was halted by a red flag on Sunday after a spectacular crash between McLaren's Fernando Alonso and Haas's Mexican driver Esteban Gutierrez left the Spaniard's car wrecked and with debris littered across the Albert Park circuit.

The race was due to resume at 4:55 p.m. local time (0555 GMT). Race control said the incident would be investigated.

Alonso's right wheel clipped Gutierrez's car at high speed during the 18th lap and the impact sent the Spaniard's car careening into a barrier, smashing it to pieces before it flipped, rolled and flew end-over-end into another barrier.

The two-time world champion emerged from the wreckage and walked gingerly over to Gutierrez where the pair embraced.

The race was then suspended as track staff swept debris away, bringing the rest of the cars back to pit.