Verstappen out of British GP after first-lap collision with Hamilton

Max Verstappen and F1 championship rival Lewis Hamilton collided on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix following a dramatic wheel-to-wheel battle, causing the race to be red-flagged.

Verstappen started from pole position in his Red Bull and Hamilton knew it was crucial to find a way past in his Mercedes to avoid letting him race into the distance and extend a 33-point lead in the drivers' standings.

The British driver had a strong start but failed to make it past into the first corner as Verstappen held firm, but when the pair went side-by-side into Copse they touched wheels and Verstappen was sent hurtling hard into the barriers.

Speaking over the pit-to-car radio, Hamilton said: "I was ahead there, it was my line, he turned in on me, man."

Verstappen climbed shakily from his car as Hamilton continued, and although the reigning champion complained of damage he chose not to pit.

The race was red-flagged soon after given Verstappen's RB16B was embedded in the barrier, leading to significant repairs..

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