This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
On a disastrous Sunday for Ferrari, Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel's cars collided on the opening lap of the 2020 Styrian Grand Prix, forcing both drivers to retire.
Leclerc, who had started from 14th on the grid after a three-place penalty for an incident involving Daniil Kvyat's Alpha Tauri in Saturday's rain-swept qualifying, attempted to push past Vettel on the inside of Turn Three.
However, he rode the kerbs and launched his vehicle into the rear of Vettel's machine, severely damaging the rear of the four-time champion's car.
As a result, Vettel was forced to pit and retire after a Safety Car had been deployed, while Leclerc pitted for repairs and continued, but ultimately pulled out once the action resumed.
Both men were out of the race before the start of the sixth lap, marking a nightmare start to the 2020 Formula One season for Ferrari.
Four-time champion Vettel is in his final season with Ferrari after being told he is surplus to requirements next season, and has made clear he was surprised and upset by the decision.
Both drivers have complained that their SF1000 car this year is difficult to drive and lacks competitive pace.
Team boss Mattia Binotto admitted on Saturday that the upgrades brought to the second race of the season had not been effective.
Leclerc finished a fortunate second at the season-opening Austrian contest, but this time, his luck ran out.
"There was nothing I could do," said Vettel. "There was not enough space on the track and that is why we collided. The car had felt a lot better, but we don’t know do we? We don’t have the answers."
