Verstappen involved in first corner Hungary GP crash as Hamilton benefits

Max Verstappen endured a horror start to the Hungarian Grand Prix after Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas sparked a first corner crash.

The Dutchman, who lined up in third, was looking to close on rival Lewis Hamilton at the start.

Rain arrived an hour before the race start creating a slippery surface which ultimately proved crucial.

Bottas fell back immediately and saw Verstappen, Sergio Perez and Lando Norris all pass him.

The Finn then broke late and smashed into the back of Norris' McLaren which ultimately saw him hit Verstappen.

The Red Bull was forced wide and slipped down to ninth with visible damage on his career.

Verstappen had to pit which saw him tumble down to 13th before the race was red flagged amongst the chaos.

A host of drivers now find themselves out of the race after just a matter of laps.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has retired as did Bottas, who will likely be blamed for the first lap mess.

Wet races often shake up the pack and, following the red flag, Esteban Ocon finds himself in second ahead of Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin.

Carlos Sainz is in fourth ahead of Yuki Tsunoda and Nicholas Latifi.

Hamilton retained the lead from pole position and will now be heavy favourite to claim an eight victory in Budapest.

The Mercedes driver could lead the Hungarian capital with the championship lead depending on whether Verstappen can stage a recovery driver.

The incident comes just a fortnight after the two F1 title contenders clashed at Silverstone.

Hamilton went on to win the British Grand Prix despite being handed a 10-second penalty for clipping Verstappen, who subsequently retired.

Perez was quizzed on the incident and said: "I think basically Bottas lost the car. it is clear that Bottas has made a big mistake and taken everybody out of the race."

"It is a massive blow for us as a team, we've probably lost the engine too."

He then added: "I don't know what to say. It is a big mistake and we'll leave it down to them (the stewards)."

The stewards are reviewing the first corner incident.

Norris said: "Not much to say. It is just annoying I guess, on lap one I don't know why that has to happen.

"Why risk doing stupid things. Of course (I expect the stewards to look at it.) We'll see, I hope they have some common sense and do what they should do."

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