Daniel Ricciardo’s Japanese Grand Prix lasted three corners on Sunday, before ending abruptly in a crash on the first lap that brought out the red flag.
The Australian was going through the first chicane around Suzuka, alongside Williams driver Alex Albon.
The pair made contact as they approached the third turn of the race, causing them to go off the track and crash into the barriers.
Ricciardo appeared to move slightly on Albon’s front wing in an effort to get on the racing line.
The Australian would not have been able to see Albon with his right rear tire.
Former driver and broadcaster Paul di Resta told Sky Sports UK that he did not believe it was an incident in which either driver could be blamed.
“It wasn’t Albon’s fault. It wasn’t Ricciardo’s fault. It’s a racing incident,” di Resta said.
The red flag appeared after the accident between two cars, which damaged the tire barrier in turn three.
World champion Max Verstappen had made a perfect start from pole position, ahead of his teammate Sergio Pérez.
The Red Bulls will lead the pack at the restart of the race, which will be another stopped start.
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