Huge blow to Vettel's title hopes after he crashes into Ferrari team-mate and Verstappen before Turn One in the rain
Sunday 17 September 2017 18:02, UK
There was carnage on the first lap of the Singapore GP as Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen all collided into Turn One.
And the spectacular incident could have serious ramifications for Vettel's championship hopes as all three drivers were forced to retire their cars after the dramatic crash before Lewis Hamilton won the race to extend his title lead to 28 points.
Verstappen had started from the front row alongside the pole-sitting Vettel but as the German tried to cover off the Red Bull's attack Vettel only succeeded in squeezing the Dutchman into his Ferrari team-mate.
The cars of both Raikkonen and Verstappen sustained heavy damage during the collision and were immediately forced out of the race.
"If you are fighting for the world championship you shouldn't take those risks squeezing someone that much," an angry Verstappen said.
Verstappen blames Vettel for pile-up
Daniel Ricciardo in the second Red Bull was also hit, while Vettel's Ferrari was grievously damaged and moments later he crashed when his car slithered into the wall out to hand Hamilton the lead.
The incident was investigated after the race with Raikkonen, Vettel and Verstappen all summoned to appear in front of the stewards - but they determined that no driver was 'wholly or predominantly to blame' and took no further action.
"That could be a championship defining moment," said Sky F1's Martin Brundle. "I think it's Vettel's fault as he didn't realise his team-mate was there and squeezed Verstappen.
"If you're going to blame anybody, you have to blame Vettel. There was nowhere Verstappen could go."
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