MONTE CARLO, Monaco — The Monaco Grand Prix saw a dramatic start as a major collision involving Sergio Pérez and both Haas drivers brought the race to an immediate halt on the first lap.
On the steep incline after Turn 1, Haas driver Kevin Magnussen made contact with Pérez as the corner veered to the right. Magnussen, positioned on the inside, found himself squeezed as space dwindled, resulting in Pérez crashing heavily into the wall. The impact forced Pérez’s car back onto the track, colliding with Magnussen’s teammate, Nico Hülkenberg.
The incident caused significant damage to Pérez’s vehicle, and both Haas cars were rendered inoperable. Fortunately, all three drivers escaped without injuries.
The race was promptly red-flagged, pausing the action on the first lap. After reviewing the incident, the stewards decided against any further investigation, a decision likely to spark debate given Magnussen’s precarious position of being just two penalty points away from a one-race suspension.
The chaotic start continued with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz suffering a front-left puncture further up the track, causing him to go off-road. Moments later, Alpine teammates Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon collided near the tunnel area, adding to the early drama.
Despite his off-track excursion, Sainz will resume the race from third position due to the timing of the red flag. The race will restart from a standing grid, essentially resetting the start of the race.
This early turmoil underscores the unpredictable nature of the Monaco Grand Prix, known for its narrow track and challenging conditions. As the race progresses, teams and drivers will need to navigate these difficulties carefully to avoid further incidents.
Key Updates and Analysis
- Stewards’ Decision: The decision not to investigate the crash further could have significant implications, particularly for Magnussen. With his points tally so close to a suspension, the controversy around this decision may persist.
- Ferrari’s Challenges: Sainz’s puncture adds to Ferrari’s ongoing struggles this season. Despite starting strong, their ability to maintain consistency is under scrutiny.
- Alpine Team Dynamics: The collision between Gasly and Ocon highlights potential issues within the Alpine team. Such incidents can strain team relationships and impact overall performance.
- Race Restart: The standing grid restart is a crucial moment. Drivers will need to be cautious to prevent additional collisions and capitalize on their starting positions.
The Monaco Grand Prix, with its unique challenges and high stakes, continues to be one of the most thrilling and unpredictable races on the F1 calendar. As the race resumes, all eyes will be on the drivers as they navigate the intricate streets of Monte Carlo.
