George Russell OUT of the Belgian Grand Prix after collision with Lewis Hamilton in chaotic first lap

George Russell’s world championship hopes took a massive hit when he crashed out of the Belgian Grand Prix in a first-lap collision with Lewis Hamilton.

Russell’s rear left wheel caught Hamilton’s front left at the end of Spa’s Kemmel Straight as they vied for fifth place.

The Mercedes man spun around at Les Combes, the right-left combination, and ended up beached in the gravel. A safety car was deployed as Russell walked away uninjured away from the scene of his latest disappointment.

Hamilton said over the radio: ‘A car crossed over in front of me.’

The stewards noted the incident. Meanwhile, championship leader Kimi Antonelli was in charge of proceedings as he looked to extend his 25-point advantage over his older team-mate Russell, who started the 44-lap race from third on the grid but slipped down to sixth.

Hamilton was fine to continue and was lying fifth when the safety car withdrew. 

Despite his protestation of innocence, Hamilton was handed a five-second penalty for causing the collision. 

Russell’s woes were compounded as his team-mate Antonelli took the chequered flag, doubling his championship lead over the Mercedes man to 50 points, while Hamilton leapfrogged his compatriot into second place in the standings.

More to follow. 

Russell was sent into the gravel after being clipped by the Ferrari in the opening lap in Spa

Sunday’s result serves as a major blow to Russell’s championship hopes