Torrential rain transformed the British Grand Prix into a demolition derby as five drivers crashed out within the opening laps at Silverstone, prompting two safety car deployments.
The treacherous conditions claimed Liam Lawson, Franco Colapinto, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar and Kimi Antonelli in quick succession, delivering a devastating double retirement for Racing Bulls.
Dark clouds gathered ominously over the circuit as the race began, with standing water creating perilous conditions that caught out even the most experienced competitors.
The carnage began immediately when Lawson became the first casualty on the opening lap, limping back to the garage after a collision.
Torrential rain transformed the British Grand Prix into a demolition derby as five drivers crashed out within the opening laps at Silverstone, prompting two safety car deployments
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Within minutes, the safety car was scrambled as drivers struggled to maintain control on the waterlogged track surface.
Lawson's race ended abruptly after he collided with Esteban Ocon whilst being squeezed by Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda.
Colapinto's misfortune struck even earlier, as the Williams driver stalled in the pit box and never made it onto the circuit despite being scheduled to start from the pit lane.
The most dramatic incident occurred when Hadjar, blinded by spray from Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes, ploughed into the back of the German driver.
Full footage of the accident between Esteban Ocon and Liam Lawson!#F1 #Formula1 #BritishGPpic.twitter.com/WEXmbdSSeB
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The impact sent Hadjar spinning across the gravel trap and into the barriers, triggering an immediate safety car deployment.
Antonelli attempted to continue but was forced to retire shortly afterwards due to extensive floor damage sustained in the collision.
Bortoleto's retirement came after he destroyed his rear wing, prompting a virtual safety car period.
Championship leader Max Verstappen's race unravelled spectacularly when he spun after the safety car restart, blaming Oscar Piastri for braking unexpectedly.
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The incident dropped the Dutchman from the lead down to ninth position, opening the door for his rivals to capitalise.
Piastri had been stalking Verstappen's rear wing persistently before executing a decisive overtake on lap 13 to seize the lead.
Lando Norris also pounced on the world champion's misfortune, passing him after Verstappen ran wide on the increasingly treacherous track.
The Red Bull driver managed to claw back to second place following a sluggish pit stop for Norris, but the damage to his commanding championship position was evident.
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Heavy rainfall on lap 13 had intensified the already hazardous conditions, creating opportunities for those brave enough to attack.
The safety car was deployed again just one lap later as the deluge transformed the circuit into an ice rink, erasing Piastri's substantial advantage at the front.
Teams had gambled with tyre strategies as they anticipated the incoming weather, with Charles Leclerc and George Russell diving into the pits at the end of the formation lap to fit hard tyres.
Liam Lawson was among the F1 drivers to crash out of the British Grand Prix
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Hadjar and Bortoleto opted for medium compounds in their ultimately doomed strategies.
Leclerc's afternoon took a farcical turn when he aquaplaned through a deep puddle at Turn 12, careering straight across the grass before rejoining without damage.
The Ferrari driver later complained over team radio that water had breached his visor, leaving him unable to see properly in the worsening conditions.
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