Brazilian GP plunged into chaos after 'aborted start' as driver has bizarre incident during formation lap

Lance Stroll retired from the Brazilian Grand Prix on the formation lap in one of the most bizarre incidents of the season - and it resulted in a chaotic aborted start.

The Aston Martin driver crashed in qualifying, with his team battling against the clock to repair his car in order to start P10 for the race.

However, the Canadian spun on the formation lap on the way into turn four, clipping his front wing against the barrier.

TV cameras showed Stroll reversing his car to get back on to the track so he could make his way to the grid.

But after cameras briefly pulled away from the Aston Martin, the next angle showed Stroll's car beached in the gravel.

As he required outside assistance to get out of the gravel, he was declared to be out of the Grand Prix entirely.

It is only the formation lap and Lance Stroll has lost control of his car at Turn Four! 😲😅 pic.twitter.com/SSBuRJ1udk

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 3, 2024

Onboard footage showed Stroll had reversed away from the gravel trap, before stopping to change settings on his steering wheel. He then turned his Aston Martin into the gravel trap to get back on track, but beached the car.

The start was subsequently aborted, with several yellow lights flashing at the side of the track.

However, polesitter Lando Norris drove off from his starting position before the light went green, with most other drivers following suit.

But several drivers, including Red Bull's Max Verstappen, stayed stationary as confusion reigned over the situation.

The FIA then announced that Norris would be investigated for a start procedure infringement.

The race did eventually get underway, with Norris losing the lead into turn one after a superb start from George Russell alongside him.

It was a positive first lap for Verstappen, who started in 17th after a five-place grid penalty but made it up to 10th by the end of lap two.