Charles Leclerc’s Italian Grand Prix came to a sudden and dramatic end after the Ferrari driver suffered a heavy crash at Monza while battling Oscar Piastri for fourth position.
The Monegasque lost control of his Ferrari at the Parabolica during the second lap, sending the car into the barriers at an estimated 160mph.
The limited gravel run-off did little to slow the Ferrari before it slammed sideways into the hoardings.
Ferrari Star Receives Medical Attention
Leclerc managed to climb out of the wrecked Ferrari shortly after the collision, but he appeared visibly shaken and sat on the grass as a marshal stayed beside him.
He was subsequently taken away in the medical car after appearing to hold his neck while being assessed.
Ferrari later confirmed that Leclerc had been released from the medical centre without suffering an injury.
The severity of the crash nevertheless caused significant concern among Ferrari supporters, with some fans in the grandstands visibly emotional as they watched their home team’s star driver being taken for treatment.
Hamilton Had Already Expressed His Anger
The crash came only moments after Leclerc had been involved in an intense battle with his Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
During the opening lap, Leclerc squeezed Hamilton through the second part of the Del Refillo chicane, forcing the seven-time world champion off the circuit.
Hamilton immediately made his frustration known over team radio, saying: “Charles pushed me off.”
The incident proved costly for Hamilton, who had started the race fourth but dropped to 10th place during the early exchanges.
Russell Takes Control Before Red Flag
George Russell had moved into the lead for Mercedes before the race was suspended.
The British driver overtook pole-sitter Pierre Gasly on the main straight at the conclusion of the opening lap, putting himself at the front before Leclerc’s crash brought proceedings to a halt.
Race officials subsequently displayed the red flag while marshals dealt with the damaged Ferrari and cleared the crash site.
Ferrari Is Removed From the Circuit
Leclerc’s heavily damaged car was eventually lifted away from the circuit by crane as preparations began for the race to restart.
Organisers announced that the Grand Prix would resume at 2.39pm UK time, bringing a temporary pause to what had already been a chaotic opening to the Italian race.
Nathalie Emmanuel and Ben Hardy Join Monza Crowd
Away from the action on the track, Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel and EastEnders actor Ben Hardy were among the high-profile guests attending the event.
The pair were at Monza with Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% and were given a tour of the Formula 1 paddock.
They also gained access to the Scuderia Ferrari HP garage, where they were photographed standing alongside Leclerc’s Ferrari before the dramatic events unfolded.
