The first-lap, first-corner collision between Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri was perhaps the most memorable and consequential part of the 44-lap Belgian Grand Prix – given it immediately took two top-five starters out of the picture.

WHAT HAPPENED

Piastri, one spot behind Sainz on the grid, had gained ground on the Ferrari off the launch – which enabled him to to head into the corner with his McLaren’s front left tyre alongside Sainz’s rear right.

But as Sainz darted from the outside line towards the inside barrier in a tyre-locking attempt to pounce on Lewis Hamilton, he and Piastri found themselves on a collision course that neither was able to alter.

LAP 2/44

Agony for Piastri who picked up damage at the start getting squeezed at Turn 1

The Aussie quickly dropped down the field and has been forced to retire ❌#BelgianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/pZtXCklA7n

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 30, 2023

As a result, Piastri’s MCL60 was wedged against that barrier, while the left side of his car did damage to Sainz’s SF-23.

It was effectively race over for both at this point, Piastri retiring without a single lap completed and Sainz limping around for 23 laps before calling time in the pits.