Sao Paulo GP red flagged after startline crash!

©Formula1

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There was drama at the outset of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with Kevin Magnussen and Alex Albon coming together on the run down to the first corner and veering into the barriers.

The commotion triggered a Safety Car and the race’s neutralization before the red flag was activated, bringing proceedings to a halt.

Magnussen also appeared to hit Oscar Piastri’s McLaren, damaging the MCL60’s rear wing, while the rear wing on Daniel Ricciardo’s AlphaTauri was hit by a stray tyre and also required a repair job.

But the most dramatic event took place even before the race got underway when Charles Leclerc slid off the track and into the barriers on the formation lap, the Ferrari victim of a massive hydraulic failure according to a radio message from its driver.

©Formula1

Poleman Max Verstappen, on his own up at the front following Leclerc’s demise, enjoyed a comfortable lead as he entered Turn 1.

But Lando Norris made a blistering fast start from sixth, the McLaren charger slotting into second after outrunning both Aston Martins and Lewis Hamilton into the first corner.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.