Sergio Perez walked away unscathed after a massive 160mph crash during a frenzied opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The Mexican, who started 16th, was tagged by the Haas of Kevin Magnussen who was heading uphill after the first corner, Sainte Devote. The Dane’s left front caught Perez’s right back, sending him into the barriers.
Perez then hit the other Haas of Nico Hulkenberg in a dramatic pinball move that brought out a red flag as the rubble was cleared.
Perez’s Red Bull was all but destroyed with only one wheel left, although the monocoque protected the driver from physical damage.
Everyone climbed out without visible injuries.
Sergio Perez’s car was virtually destroyed after a first-lap crash at the Monaco Grand Prix
Only one wheel remained attached to Perez’s car after the crash with Kevin Magnussen
After the crash, a red flag was waved during a dramatic start to the Grand Prix
Debris from Perez’s car was sent around the circuit after the crash with Magnussen
Race marshalls cleared the track after the race was red flagged following the first lap crash
The marshals were forced to clear a significant amount of debris before the races could resume
In a crazy start, the two Alpines got confused, sending Esteban Ocon into the air at the entrance to the tunnel. He landed safely and continued until the race was suspended.
Carlos Sainz, third for Ferrari, stopped at Casino Square after appearing to have gone too deep.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led from pole with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri second prior to the interruption.
Racing will resume at 2:44 PM (3:44 PM local time) after debris is cleared from the track.