Charles Leclerc’s Italian Grand Prix ended in dramatic fashion after the Ferrari driver crashed into a tyre barrier at approximately 160mph during a disastrous opening to the team’s home race at Monza.
The Monegasque lost control of his Ferrari while battling McLaren’s Oscar Piastri for fourth position on the second lap.
Leclerc appeared to run wide on the exit of the high-speed Curva Parabolica, one of the most demanding corners on the Formula One calendar. His Ferrari crossed the gravel trap at speed before striking the tyre barrier heavily, leaving the car extensively damaged.
The impact immediately ended Leclerc’s race and prompted officials to deploy the red flag.
Attention quickly turned to the 28-year-old’s condition after he climbed from the wreckage and sat on the grass behind the barrier. Leclerc appeared uncomfortable as he spoke to medical personnel who arrived at the scene and seemed to gesture towards his neck.
Despite the apparent pain, he was able to stand and wave to supporters in the grandstands before being taken to the circuit’s medical centre for precautionary examinations.
The accident visibly affected Ferrari’s home crowd, with some members of the team’s passionate Tifosi appearing to be in tears as Leclerc’s race ended within minutes of the start.
Ferrari later provided reassurance over the driver’s condition, saying he had left the medical centre and was OK.
Charles Leclerc crashes out of the Italian Grand Prix! 😱 pic.twitter.com/Jjn3vv3CHV
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 6, 2026
The crash capped a chaotic opening two laps for Leclerc, who had already been involved in a tense battle with team-mate Lewis Hamilton at the first chicane.
The two Ferrari drivers went wheel-to-wheel while contesting third position, with Hamilton believing that Leclerc had forced him off the circuit.
Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, had started fourth but dropped down the order during the frenetic opening stages. He was running eighth when Leclerc’s accident brought the race to a halt.
For Ferrari, the incident represented a particularly painful setback at a race where the team carries enormous expectations from its home supporters.
Thousands of Tifosi had gathered at Monza hoping to see the Italian team challenge for victory. Instead, one Ferrari was heavily damaged before the race had properly settled, while its other driver had already slipped four places from his starting position.
There was also drama at the front before the suspension.
Pierre Gasly had started from pole position but was unable to hold his advantage beyond the opening lap, as George Russell moved past to take the lead at the beginning of lap two.
The race was subsequently stopped while officials dealt with the damaged tyre barrier, leaving Ferrari facing a difficult recovery operation as the field prepared to resume.
For Leclerc, however, the home grand prix was already over — a high-speed accident transforming the atmosphere at Monza from anticipation to concern within seconds.
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