The Red Flag was flown during the opening lap of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix after Sergio Perez was caught in a crash with both Haas cars along Beau Rivage.
Perez, starting from 16th on the grid was unaware of Magnussen’s Haas at his right rear corner and the pair came into contact running up the hill towards Turn 2.
Magnussen, with a gap narrowing ahead of him, refused to back out, putting Perez into a fast spin that caused severe damage to his Red Bull RB20.
With Perez’s Red Bull spinning across the track, his car collected not only Magnussen but Hulkenberg, who was exasperated over the team radio as his race ended out of his hands.
Thankfully, all three drivers we unharmed in the incident, speaking volumes of F1 safety.
Still, the damage to the barriers and debris on the track triggered a Red Flag and what will likely be a lengthy stoppage.
With Magnussen two penalty points away from a race ban, he could have been quite nervy that the stewards would prevent him from entering the next race, but he escaped investigation.
The Perez/Haas incident was one of three that occurred during the chaotic opening lap.
Carlos Sainz touched Oscar Piastri, resulting in a puncture and causing him to pull aside at Turn 4, but the Red Flag will allow Sainz to rejoin the action from third in what will be a standing restart.
There was also a collision between the two Alpines with Esteban Ocon trying a risky move on Pierre Gasly at Turn 8 ahead of the tunnel, sending the former’s car skyward and causing significant damage.
The race will resume at 15:44 local time.
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