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6 months ago
22
Sergio Perez walked away unscathed from a huge 160mph crash on a crazy opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The Mexican, starting 16th, was tagged by the Haas of Kevin Magnussen heading uphill after the first corner, Sainte Devote. The Dane’s front left caught Perez’s rear right, sending the latter into the barriers.
Perez then richoted into the other Haas of Nico Hulkenberg in dramatic pinball action that brought out a red flag while the debris was cleared.
Perez’s Red Bull was all but destroyed with just one wheel left attached, though the monocoque protected the driver from physical damage.
All climbed out without obvious injuries.
Sergio Perez's car was all but destroyed following a first lap crash at the Monaco Grand Prix
Only one wheel was left attached on Perez's car following the crash with Kevin Magnussen
A red flag was waved following the crash on a dramatic start to the Grand Prix
In a mad start, the two Alpines tangled, sending Esteban Ocon airborne on the entry to the tunnel. He landed safely and continued until the race was suspended.
Carlos Sainz, running third for Ferrari, stopped at Casino Square after appearing to go in too deep.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led from pole with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri second prior to the stoppage.
Racing resumed at 2.46pm (3.46pm local time) after debris was cleared from the circuit.
Stewards confirmed Sainz would resume in third at the restart, with drivers having not progressed enough around the first lap to establish a new order.
The race resumed without Perez, Magnussen, Hulkenberg and Ocon following the crash.
Stewards ruled that no further investigation was required following the opening lap incident.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former world champion Jenson Button suggested Perez and Magnussen should have given each other more room.
Debris from Perez's car was sent across the circuit following the crash with Magnussen
Race marshalls cleared the track after the race was red flagged after the opening lap crash
The marshalls were forced to clear a significant amount of debris before racing could resume
‘It's surprising [Perez] knew [Magnussen] was there and didn't move to the left a little bit more,’ Button said.
‘It was a horrible impact and because you're going at such a high speed there you end up about 300 metres away from the incident.
‘It's a real strange one. You've got to say both guys should have given each other more room.
‘Is it a racing incident? It kind of is because Checo knew Kevin was there and maybe should have given him a little bit more room, but if a car is coming to the right doing 150mph, I'd back out.’
English (US)