The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix was interrupted due to a massive incident on the first lap involving Sergio Perez from Red Bull and the two Haas cars. Perez was being chased by the Haas VF-24s, which started from the back of the grid due to disqualification in qualifying. As they exited Sainte Devote, Kevin Magnussen attempted to overtake Perez on the right, resulting in a disastrous collision. Nico Hulkenberg was also caught up in the chaos. Fortunately, Zhou Guanyu was only behind them and managed to slow down in time to avoid further damage. Although all drivers involved escaped injury, extensive cleanup is needed to remove the debris.
Surprisingly, this collision was just one of three separate incidents that occurred on the opening lap. Carlos Sainz, who started in third place, made slight contact with Oscar Piastri at Sainte Devote, causing damage to his Ferrari and forcing him to take an escape route. In the Alpine, Esteban Ocon attempted a bold move on his teammate Pierre Gasly at Portier, resulting in a significant collision. Ocon’s car briefly went airborne, leaving Gasly incredulous and with visible damage.
Gasly exclaimed angrily over the radio, demanding an explanation for Ocon’s reckless move.