FIA stewards deliver verdict on Hamilton-Russell Belgian GP start clash

The Belgian Grand Prix got off to a dramatic start as Max Verstappen swept past Kimi Antonelli off the line, only for the Mercedes driver to fight back and reclaim the position, with Charles Leclerc also making his way through.

Further behind, the opening lap saw Russell's race come to an abrupt end following contact with Hamilton at Les Combes. The seven-time world champion clipped the rear of his compatriot's W17 with his front-left wheel, sending the Mercedes into a spin before it came to rest in the gravel. The incident immediately brought out the safety car, with Russell forced to retire on the spot.

After reviewing the incident, the stewards found Hamilton responsible for the collision, handing him a five-second time penalty to be served at his next pit stop.

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