The first lap of the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix saw one of the biggest incidents of the Formula 1 race as George Russell and Lewis Hamilton crashed at Spa-Francorchamps. This ended Russell's race early and ruined his hopes of closing the gap on Kimi Antonelli after a good qualifying session.
The two British drivers were within a few points of each other in the Drivers' Championship at the start of the race in Belgium, but their duel was short-lived as Russell was forced into the gravel by contact on a few corners.
Russell and Hamilton Crashed on the Opening Lap
The accident occurred during the run through the first lap when the field was struggling to get back in line behind the leaders. Russell tried to make a big move as Hamilton held his line, and the two drivers made contact.
Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images
Russell was forced off the track and into the gravel trap on the first lap after the collision. The incident was an instant highlight of the race, with replays revealing how close to the limit both drivers were.
The retirement was particularly hard for Russell. The DNF cost him points that he needed for the second half of the season, as he is already trailing Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship.
Lewis Hamilton also suffered a punishment because of the incident.
Championship Blow for Russell and Penalty For Hamilton at Belgian GP
Russell's race was never really a race, but Hamilton bounced back. However, the Ferrari driver faced a 5-second penalty for the collision.
The Spa collision was the latest in a growing series of nail-biting title bouts, and each of the points was critical as Antonelli remains in the lead. Russell was left frustrated after another setback, but at least Hamilton managed to limit the damage.
George Russell said, "It was a racing incident... Very, very disappointed."
Furthermore, on the drivers' championship, Russell added, "No words at the moment."
Neither driver has yet been seen to point fingers at the other in public after the race, but the opening lap incident will almost certainly be one of the defining moments of the Belgian Grand Prix.