Lewis Hamilton is out of the Belgian Grand Prix after making contact with Fernando Alonso in the early stages. Hamilton's car lifted off the ground and the damage caused was too much to continue.
The Englishman began the race fourth on the grid, after a number of engine penalties saw him jump three places following a seventh place finish in qualifying. Hamilton began the race one spot behind Alonso.
And with Hamilton looking to take advantage of a whole host of penalties for his rivals, including Max Verstappen, the Brit looked to make an early move as he continues his hunt for his first win of 2022.
This early attempt would prove to be in vain though, as the Englishman crashed out the race after making contact with Alonso. Following the crash, Hamilton's car jumped into the air and off the track.
Initially the seven-time world champion continued to race but moments later was forced to retire his car due to the damage caused. Hamilton's car was pulled aside and the Englishman began the long lonely walk back to the pit lane.
Fortunately for Alonso his car was not harmed in the crash, but the Spaniard was left less than impressed with his long-time rival. Speaking on his team radio he shouted: "What an idiot!
"Closing the door from the outside. I mean, we had a mega start but this guy only knows how to drive and start in first!" The collision was looked at by the race stewards, however the investigation has since been dropped with now sanctions put in place.
Hamilton was not the only man to crash out early on, as his former Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was also forced to retire after colliding with Nicholas Latifi.
