George Russell was forced out of the Belgian Grand Prix after a first-lap collision with teammate Lewis Hamilton. The incident occurred on the Kemmel Straight as both Mercedes drivers vied for fifth place.
Russell's rear left wheel made contact with Hamilton's front left, sending Russell spinning into the gravel at the Les Combes chicane. The race was briefly neutralized by a safety car while Russell's car was removed. Russell exited the vehicle uninjured.
"A car crossed over in front of me," Hamilton was heard saying over the team radio immediately following the incident. The stewards noted the collision.
Race Developments
Hamilton was able to continue in the race and was running fifth when the safety car period concluded. He later received a five-second penalty from the stewards for his role in the crash.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was in contention for the lead at the time of the incident. Russell had started the 44-lap race from third on the grid but had fallen to sixth before the collision.
