Mercedes' British driver George Russell reacts as he leaves the racing tack after crashing in gravels following a collision with Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton during the first round in the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, in Spa, on July 19, 2026. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP)
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: Mercedes driver George Russell crashed out of the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday after colliding with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton on the first lap at Spa-Francorchamps.
During a spectacular opening lap featuring several overtaking moves among the leaders, Russell collided with fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton at the Combes corner and spun out into the gravel.
Mercedes' British driver George Russell (L) looses control and crashes in the gravel after colliding with Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton (R) at the start of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, in Spa, on July 19, 2026. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP)
Unable to rejoin the race, Russell, who is second in the world championship, after wins in Australia and Austria, leaves Belgium empty-handed.
This is a major blow to Russell's championship campaign, especially given that his teammate Kimi Antonelli was comfortably leading the race after 11 of the 44 laps.
The Italian went into the race with a 25-point lead over Russell, the equivalent to a Grand Prix victory.
Hamilton, meanwhile, received a five-second penalty for the collision.
