Protesters run onto Silverstone track in chaotic start to British Grand Prix with red flag called af
A chaotic start to the British Grand Prix saw a terrifying crash on the opening lap, while protesters ran onto the track shortly afterwards.
The race was red-flagged as George Russell and Zhou Guanyu collided, which resulted in Zhou's Alfa Romeo car flip over and skid across the tarmac, before smashing into the fence in horrifying scenes at the beginning of the race.
After Zhou got out of the car on a stretcher he was taken for medical examination where he was thankfully declared fit and was subsequently discharged.
The crash has also confirmed Russell is out of the race, while Alex Albon was also involved in the incident to leave him out of the race after colliding with Sebastian Vettel.
Yuki Tsunoda's AlphaTauri suffered heavy damage and Alpine's Esteban Ocon was also involved in the collision.
There were more unsavoury scenes shortly afterwards as a group of protesters ran onto the track.
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) said: "We also confirm that after the red flag, several people attempted to enter the track.
"These people were immediately removed and the matter is now being dealt with by the local authorities."
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Seven people were arrested for their part in the protest, and it's since been revealed they were conducted by pressure group Just Stop Oil, who disrupted Everton's win over Newcastle in March.
It was reported that the Grand Prix was under threat of a dangerous on-track protest that would have placed lives at risk.
Ahead of the race, Northamptonshire Police warned they had received intelligence that a protest may take place.
"We have received credible intelligence that a group of protestors are planning to disrupt the event and possibly invade the track on race day," said chief inspector Tom Thompson.
"First of all, I want to appeal directly to this group of people and strongly urge you to not put yourselves, the drivers, as well as the many marshals, volunteers and members of the public, at risk.
"Going onto a live racetrack is extremely dangerous – if you go ahead with this reckless plan you are jeopardising lives.
"Protesting is of course everyone's human right in this country and we are more than happy to speak with you to help you facilitate a peaceful protest at the circuit, we just please ask that you do not create a situation that puts lives in danger."
The race eventually restarted with drivers beginning in grid order.
A dramatic day at Silverstone saw Carlos Sainz claim his first ever F1 victory, while Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton came second and third respectively.
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