In a high-speed collision during the opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix, Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen, and Nico Hulkenberg were forced to watch the rest of the race from the sidelines. The three drivers, who had already faced setbacks in qualifying, were involved in a dramatic incident that resulted in significant damage to their cars.

Perez, starting the race out of position due to a shocking Q1 exit, found himself in a precarious situation. Magnussen and Hulkenberg, having been excluded from qualifying over a rear wing violation, joined Perez at the back of the grid. As the race began, Magnussen attempted to clear Perez on the run up Beau Rivage, but their lines converged, causing Magnussen's car to collide with the rear of Perez's Red Bull. The impact sent both drivers hurtling into the barriers at high speed.

Hulkenberg, desperately trying to avoid the collision, had nowhere to go on the narrow streets of Monaco. Consequently, he was also collected by Perez, adding to the damage to their cars. All three drivers came to a halt, their vehicles completely destroyed.

Speaking about the incident, Perez expressed his disappointment, stating that losing positions on Lap 1 often leads to unfavorable outcomes. He was surprised that Magnussen kept his foot down and collided with him, considering it unnecessary. Perez emphasized the severity of the incident, which resulted in a dangerous crash.

Magnussen, giving his side of the story, explained that he was alongside Perez as they approached Turn 3, but due to the limited space available, he had nowhere to go when Perez veered towards the wall. Magnussen made contact with both the wall and Perez's car simultaneously, resulting in the crash. He acknowledged the frustration and the financial implications for the team, as numerous spare parts would need to be replaced.

Hulkenberg, an innocent victim in the collision, believed that both Magnussen and Perez could have taken additional measures to avoid the incident. He expressed his disappointment and frustration, especially since the crash occurred within the first 500 meters of the race.

The stewards examined the incident but decided not to impose any penalties on the drivers involved. However, they did sanction Esteban Ocon for a separate clash with his Alpine teammate, Pierre Gasly.

The incident at the Monaco Grand Prix highlights the risks and challenges drivers face on the prestigious street circuit. It serves as a reminder of the narrow margins for error and the unpredictability of Formula 1 racing.