The Belgian Grand Prix always has the potential to throw up a few dramatic moments, as yesterday's qualifying session proved.
It seems that every edition of the race throws up one or two controversial incidents, with 2022 always unlikely to be an exception. So it would prove, with some big moments right at the start of the very first lap.
With yesterday's penalties throwing up some a rather odd looking grid, the start of the race always had the potential to be exciting.
As it would turn out, one big star would find himself out of contention very early on.
Fernando Alonso slams Lewis Hamilton after collision
Lewis Hamilton came entered Spa as the only driver to finish every grand prix in the 2022 season, although that record would quickly be brought to a close this afternoon.
The Brit was aggressive right from the off, attempting to move up the grid having started in fourth position. However, this would prove to be his undoing as he was involved in a collision with Fernando Alonso.
The pair clipped tyres, with Hamilton finding himself airborne for a brief moment.
DRAMA ON THE OPENING LAP!
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso come together on the opening lap! 😮 pic.twitter.com/8GQp94gZ7h— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) August 28, 2022
There was some major damage done to his car, with the Mercedes driver retiring from the race a few moments later.
Replays indicated that Hamilton was clearly in the wrong, failing to give Alonso enough room on the corner. The Spaniard had started the race well and certainly wasn't happy with the incident, labelling his rival as an 'idiot' on the team radio.
"This guy only knows how to drive and start in first" 📻
Fernando Alonso was NOT happy with Lewis Hamilton as they collide on the opening lap 😡 pic.twitter.com/D2GgCXrBHI— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) August 28, 2022
Yeah, 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.
Of course, there is plenty of history between these two drivers.
The pair were previously teammates at McLaren, with some tension quickly developing between the pair after Hamilton joined the team as a rookie. There have also been some notable incidents on track between the pair down through the years.
While neither man is competing for world titles at the moment, they certainly haven't lost that competitive edge.
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