Juan Manuel Correa has spoken of his 'extremely tough' few weeks after the American driver was involved in the fatal collision which took the life of French 22-year-old Anthoine Hubert.
The Formula Two driver has been in hospital since the 160mph crash at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on August 31 that killed Hubert and left Correa with serious injuries.
The 20-year-old sustained damage to his spinal cord and broke both of his legs but doctors expect him to be able to leave hospital in six weeks' time after successful surgery on his right foot and ankle.
Speaking for the first time since the tragic incident Correa said: "This part few weeks have been extremely tough, tougher than anything I have ever faced both physically and mentally.
"I understand my future regarding the recovery of my legs, specifically my right leg, is quite uncertain, and that my physical rehab will be extremely long and complicated.
"I am still processing everything that has, and is, happening. I want to thank every single person who one way or another has shown me their support.
"I am humbled by the immense number of caring and affectionate messages I have received. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and know that your encouragement and positivity have made a difference."
Correa was moved last week to a second hospital in London that specialises in orthopaedic surgery and on Sunday he underwent a 17-hour operation in an effort to save his right foot.
Doctors wanted to wait 72 hours before determining whether the surgery was a success but are now confident.
He will have another, less complex, operation in two weeks' time and then faces a long road of physical therapy, rehabilitation and corrective surgeries with the aim of regaining the full use of his right foot and ankle.
