EXCLUSIVE: CCTV Angle #3 Shows Diogo Jota’s Car Veering Left at a Sharp 32° — Mechanics Say That’s Unnatural Without Steering Input
🧩 Did the system misfire? Or was he avoiding something no one else saw?

EXCLUSIVE: CCTV Footage Reveals Diogo Jota’s Lamborghini Veering Left at 32° — Unnatural Motion Sparks Steering Debate

The fatal car crash on July 3, 2025, that claimed the lives of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 26, on Spain’s A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Zamora, continues to unravel with the release of new evidence. Exclusive CCTV footage from a third angle, captured at kilometer 65 of the A-52, shows Jota’s £180,000 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder veering left at a sharp 32° angle just moments before it left the road and burst into flames. Mechanics and crash investigators have labeled this motion “unnatural” without significant steering input, raising two critical questions: Did the vehicle’s steering system misfire, or was Jota attempting to avoid an unseen obstacle? zThis article explores the CCTV evidence, the mechanics’ analysis, and the implications for the ongoing investigation.

The CCTV Footage: A Sharp 32° Veer

The newly released CCTV footage, obtained from a highway camera overlooking the A-52, captures the final seconds of Jota’s Lamborghini as it traveled eastbound toward Santander at approximately 00:30 local time. The video shows the acid green Huracán, reportedly moving at 213 km/h (132 mph), suddenly veering left at a 32° angle relative to its prior trajectory. This sharp deviation occurs 9.8 seconds after smoke was observed emanating from the engine bay, as seen in previously leaked dashcam footage, and just 2.7 seconds before the car skids off the road, rolls, and ignites. The 32° angle is significant because, according to automotive engineers, such a pronounced turn at high speed typically requires deliberate steering input or a mechanical failure.

The footage aligns with earlier reports of tire marks stretching 100 meters from the point of impact, indicating a loss of control. However, the sharp leftward motion challenges the initial theory that a right rear tire blowout, confirmed by the Spanish Civil Guard, was the sole cause. The unnatural veer suggests additional factors—either a steering anomaly or an evasive maneuver—played a role in the tragedy.

Mechanics’ Analysis: Why Is 32° Unnatural?

Automotive mechanics consulted by investigators have described the 32° veer as “highly unusual” for a vehicle traveling at 213 km/h without significant driver input or a system failure. Several factors support their assessment:

Aerodynamics and Stability: The Lamborghini Huracán is designed for high-speed stability, with advanced aerodynamics and a low center of gravity. At 213 km/h, the car’s active aerodynamic systems, including its rear wing and diffusers, generate substantial downforce to keep it planted. A 32° deviation without steering input defies the vehicle’s natural tendency to maintain a straight path, suggesting an external force or mechanical issue disrupted its balance.

Tire Blowout Effects: A right rear tire blowout, as reported, would typically cause the car to pull to the right due to the sudden loss of traction on that side. The CCTV footage, however, shows the car veering left, which contradicts the expected behavior. Mechanics argue that a blowout alone would not produce such a sharp leftward turn unless the driver overcorrected or another system failed simultaneously.

Steering Dynamics: The Huracán’s electronic power steering (EPS) system is designed to provide precise control at high speeds, with variable assist to reduce sensitivity. A 32° veer would require a significant steering angle—approximately 90–120° of wheel rotation—far more than a minor correction. Without driver input, such a turn could only result from a steering system malfunction, such as a misfire in the EPS or a failure in the front axle’s alignment.

Speed and Reaction Time: At 213 km/h, the car was covering 59 meters per second. The 2.7-second window between the veer and the crash, as estimated by engineers, left Jota with minimal time to react. Even a skilled driver would struggle to execute a 32° turn intentionally while managing a tire blowout, brake failure (as confirmed by the black box), and smoke from the engine bay.

Hypothesis 1: Steering System Misfire

One plausible explanation for the 32° veer is a malfunction in the Huracán’s steering system. Several scenarios could account for this:

Electronic Power Steering Failure: The Huracán’s EPS relies on sensors, actuators, and a control module to adjust steering assist. A software glitch or sensor failure could have caused the system to misinterpret inputs, sending the wheels into an unintended leftward turn. Similar issues have been reported in other high-performance vehicles, including a 2020 recall for certain Lamborghini models due to EPS concerns.

Mechanical Damage from Blowout: The right rear tire blowout may have sent debris into the front suspension or steering rack, disrupting alignment or damaging critical components. For example, a broken tie rod or a seized ball joint could have locked the wheels at an angle, forcing the car leftward. The A-52’s poor road surface, described as “full of potholes” by X users, may have exacerbated the damage.

Interaction with Brake Failure: The black box revealed that the right rear brake failed to engage when Jota attempted to slow down at 213 km/h. This asymmetry could have caused the car to yaw left, amplifying any steering input or mechanical fault. The combination of brake and steering issues may have created a feedback loop, making the 32° veer inevitable.

If a steering misfire occurred, it would point to a critical flaw in the vehicle’s design or maintenance. The Huracán’s history of recalls, including issues with fuel lines, electrical systems, and doors, raises questions about whether steering-related defects were adequately addressed.

Hypothesis 2: Obstacle Avoidance

The alternative explanation is that Jota deliberately steered left to avoid an unseen obstacle. Several factors support this theory:

Road Conditions: The A-52 near Cernadilla is notorious for its poor condition, with X users describing it as a “goat track” riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces. A hidden dip, noted in a near-fatal crash at the same spot eight days earlier, could have appeared suddenly, prompting Jota to swerve. The CCTV footage does not clearly show the road surface, but the 32° angle suggests a rapid maneuver.

Wildlife or Debris: Rural highways like the A-52 are prone to wildlife crossings, especially at night. A deer or other animal darting across the road could have triggered an instinctive swerve. Alternatively, debris from another vehicle—common on poorly maintained roads—may have forced Jota to veer left. The overtaking maneuver, as reported by the Civil Guard, may have limited his visibility of such hazards.

Driver Reaction to Smoke: The dashcam footage showing smoke from the engine bay 9.8 seconds earlier indicates Jota was aware of a problem. Panic or disorientation from the smoke, combined with the tire blowout and brake failure, could have led to an overcorrection, resulting in the 32° veer. Jota’s recent lung surgery, which prevented him from flying, may have also affected his physical or mental state, though there is no evidence of impairment.

However, the obstacle avoidance theory is complicated by the lack of corroborating evidence. The CCTV footage does not show any visible obstacles, and the trailing vehicle’s dashcam, which captured the smoke and crash, reported no animals or debris. Additionally, a deliberate 32° turn at 213 km/h would require exceptional precision, especially under the chaotic conditions of a blowout and mechanical failures.

The Investigation: What’s Next?

The Spanish Civil Guard, leading the investigation, is preparing a report for the courts in Puebla de Sanabria. The CCTV footage, combined with the black box data, dashcam evidence, and tire marks, provides a detailed but complex picture of the crash. Key areas of focus include:

Steering System Analysis: Forensic engineers are examining the Huracán’s steering components, including the EPS module, sensors, and front suspension, to determine if a mechanical or electronic failure occurred. The fire’s intensity, which reduced the car to “a collection of scraps,” complicates this task.

Road Surface Evaluation: The A-52’s condition, criticized by locals and experts, is under scrutiny. Investigators are assessing whether potholes, dips, or debris contributed to the blowout or prompted a swerve.

Driver Behavior: While the Civil Guard believes Jota was driving, based on tire marks and black box data, they are exploring whether his actions—intentional or reflexive—caused the 32° veer. Toxicology reports, though sensitive given Jota’s recent surgery, may clarify his condition.

Vehicle Maintenance: The Huracán’s maintenance history, including whether it addressed known recalls, is critical. The smoke from the engine bay, brake failure, and potential steering issues suggest multiple systems may have been compromised.

Broader Implications: Safety and Accountability

The 32° veer captured by CCTV footage underscores the dangers of high-performance vehicles on imperfect roads. The Huracán’s advanced systems—steering, brakes, and diagnostics—failed to prevent the tragedy, raising questions about Lamborghini’s engineering priorities. The A-52’s “deplorable state,” as noted by X users, highlights the need for infrastructure improvements, especially on routes frequented by high-speed traffic.

This crash also echoes past tragedies involving athletes, such as José Antonio Reyes’ 2019 accident in Spain, where speed and vehicle failure were factors. It calls for enhanced safety measures, including:

Mandatory pre-trip diagnostic checks for supercars.

Manual overrides for steering and braking systems.

Improved road maintenance on rural highways.

Specialized training for drivers of high-performance vehicles.

A Devastating Loss

Diogo Jota, a cornerstone of Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title and Portugal’s Nations League victory, was mourned worldwide. His brother André, a midfielder for FC Penafiel, shared his passion for football. The brothers’ deaths, 11 days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, left their three young children and family in grief. Tributes from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jürgen Klopp, and Prince William reflect Jota’s universal admiration.

The CCTV footage of the 32° veer adds a haunting dimension to the crash, suggesting either a steering system failure or a desperate attempt to avoid disaster. As investigators unravel the truth, the football community hopes for answers that honor Jota and Silva’s memory and prevent future tragedies.