In a multiple pileup at Monza in the 1978 Italian Grand Prix, in which Ronnie Peterson died, Brambilla suffered serious head injuries when he was hit by a flying wheel during the multiple collision on the opening lap.
Nunha montoneira múltiple en Monza en Gran Premio de Italia de 1978, na que morreu Ronnie Peterson, Brambilla sufriu feridas graves na cabeza ao ser golpeado por unha roda voadora durante a colisión múltiple na primeira volta.