Formula One title contender ​George Russell retired from ‌the Belgian Grand Prix ​on Sunday after ⁠his Mercedes spun off into the gravel on the ‌opening lap following a collision with Ferrari’s ‌Lewis Hamilton.

Russell started ‌in ⁠third place on ⁠the grid but had dropped down to sixth after losing ​ground on ‌the straight.

In fighting back, the Briton went side by side with his ‌former teammate Hamilton ​and the pair made contact.

The Mercedes then ⁠became bogged down in the gravel, with Russell ‌stepping out and walking away as seven-time champion Hamilton continued, with the safety car deployed and stewards investigating ‌the incident.

Formula One leader Kimi ​Antonelli, who is 25 points clear of ⁠his Mercedes teammate and closest ⁠rival in the standings after nine ‌rounds, had led away from pole position.

Published on Jul 19, 2026