The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix has been interrupted after just one lap. The reason is a serious accident at the back of the field. After a disappointing qualifying, Sergio Perez had to report a hard impact on the guardrail in the second corner. But the accident could have serious consequences, especially for Kevin Magnussen.
What had happened? Perez, who only started the race from 16th place, was battling with Valtteri Bottas and the two Haas drivers in the first few meters. But Beau Rivage (Turn 2) suddenly hit his rear wheel. Kevin Magnussen had attempted a maneuver into a narrow gap, which closed practically by itself due to the track layout.
Monaco crash at the start: Perez and both Haas out
In an interview with ORF, Kevin Magnussen did not show any insight and instead blamed Perez: “I had my front on the inside of Perez and he took the normal line even though I was there. I had contact with the wall and with him at the same time. I trusted that he would give me enough space, as he should. But he did not do that.”
Nico Hülkenberg was also hit and knocked off his feet by Perez’s car, which was thrown across the track. For Haas, this weekend to forget ended after just a few meters. After qualifying, both cars of the US team were disqualified after the DRS on the rear wing was incorrectly set and therefore illegal.
The crash caused severe damage to the guardrail, which was followed by a red flag and a long interruption. At first glance, this was unfortunate for Charles Leclerc, who had to defend his pole position at the start. At second glance, however, it was also possibly fortunate for the Ferrari driver, who was able to change his tires for free. However, he would then have to drive the entire race with the hard tires.
Next Formula 1 accident: Will Kevin Magnussen be banned now?
Things could get even worse for Magnussen after the collision. The Dane already has ten points in the Formula 1 penalty points system, which he has collected so far this season. According to the regulations, a driver who has twelve points is banned from one race. If the stewards blame him for the accident and award penalty points accordingly, Magnussen would probably have to take a mandatory break in Canada. So far, however, the stewards have not commented on the accident.
The first lap of the Formula 1 race in Monte Carlo was generally turbulent. The accident at the back of the field was just one of several incidents. Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri came into contact in turn 1 in the battle for second place. Due to a puncture, the Spaniard rolled out in turn 4 and was overtaken by everyone. However, as the race was stopped early, he was allowed to restart from third place. The race stewards quickly said that no investigation was necessary.
In Mirabeau Bas there was an internal collision between the two Alpine drivers when Esteban Ocon attempted to box his way past Pierre Gasly in a wild maneuver. There was contact, Ocon took off and lost positions. In theory he also benefited from the early termination, but he cannot take part in the restart due to the damage he sustained as a result.