Rain was falling ahead of the start, and the top six drivers – Vettel, Max Verstappen, Ricciardo, Kimi Raikkonen, Hamilton and Bottas – starting on the intermediates while others, including Nico Hulkenberg and the McLarens of Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne opting for the full wets. Raikkonen made a strong getaway from fourth to go three abreast with pole-sitter Vettel and Verstappen on the approach to Turn 1. Vettel moved across to cover the inside line, squeezing Verstappen, who then made contact with Raikkonen, spearing the Finn across the track into Vettel.
Raikkonen’s out-of-control car then collected Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso at Turn 1, putting Raikkonen and Verstappen out of the race immediately.
Scuderia Ferrari Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen feels that he was helpless in the chaotic collision at the start which saw him, teammate Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen all suffer early retirements at the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix, which took place this afternoon on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
The Finn made a flying start from fourth place and tried to get the jump on Max Verstappen. Pole sitter Sebastian Vettel came across from the left to cover the Dutchman, who was sandwiched between the two Scuderia Ferrari cars and causing a huge collision: “I don’t think I could have done anything differently to avoid it.” – Kimi Raikkonen said, as reported by Sky F1 earlier today – “I made a good start but then, unfortunately, got hit and out race was done which is a shame. I knew where Max was and whatever the cause of the accident was, it doesn’t change very much. The result is what it is.” – the Finnish driver added.
While Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen were out on the spot, Sebastian Vettel was able to maintain the lead around the opening sequence of corners, before losing the rear of his Scuderia Ferrari SF70H car and hitting the wall at the exit of Turn 3, causing substantial damage to the car. Reflecting on the first incident off the start line, the German driver told reporters: “I don’t know, I didn’t see that much. I had an average start and then went to the left trying to fend off Max and the next thing I get a bump on the side and see Kimi’s car. That’s how this business is, and we’ll move on. It doesn’t change much.” – Scuderia Ferrari’s German driver explained.
Raikkonen, Vettel and Verstappen are all under investigation from the race stewards.
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