Maria Costello in "serious but stable" condition after Isle of Man TT incident

Maria Costello is in a "serious but stable" condition following a sidecar incident at the Isle of Man TT.

27 May 2026

Maria Costello at the 2019 Isle of Man TT. Credit: Isle of Man TT.

Maria Costello MBE is in a "serious but stable" condition after suffering a sidecar incident on day two of the Isle of Man TT.

The incident took place during the first sidecar qualifying session of this year’s event, which got underway on Tuesday (26 May) evening.

The pair crashed at Brandish, leading to a shortened session after the red flags were waved. The session was not restarted as qualifying approached 9pm.

Maria Costello riding a motorcycle at the TT. Credit: Iconic Auctioneers.

The Isle of Man TT then released a statement shortly before 10pm, clarifying who was involved in the incident, along with the condition of both competitors. However, organisers of the TT have provided further information on the condition of both competitors, saying:

“Maria Costello MBE and Shaun Parker, sidecar outfit number 28, came off at Brandish yesterday during the second lap of the first qualifying session of the 2026 Isle of Man TT Races resulting in a Red Flag,” read the Wednesday morning update from the TT organisers.
“Following the incident, Maria was taken to Noble's Hospital by Airmed for further assessment and treatment, and passenger, Shaun was taken to Noble's Hospital by ambulance.
"Maria has since been transferred to Aintree. Her condition is currently reported as serious but stable, and she continues to be assessed and receive treatment for injuries sustained.
“Shaun’s condition is reported as conscious and talking, and he continues to receive treatment for chest, leg, arm and facial injuries sustained.
“The Isle of Man TT Races send their best wishes to both Maria and Shaun, and thank the Marshals and the MRMS medical team for their continued diligence and professionalism.”

The 2026 TT has so far been heavily affected by incidents and red flags, causing a stop-start first two days. One rider and eight spectators were all injured on day one during an incident at Parliament Square, which has since been closed off from spectators for the remainder of this year’s event.

Qualifying had been due to get started on Monday, however, it was cancelled due to the incident in free practice.

Michael Dunlop leaving the start line at a TT race.

Day three of the TT (Wednesday, 27 May) will continue with a further two qualifying sessions, including one this afternoon and one in the evening. Qualifying will begin at 1pm with the Supersport and Sportbike classes, while the last qualifying session today will be the sidecar class, which is due to begin at 8:15pm.