Charles Leclerc in early horror crash at Italian GP as Ferrari ace smashes into barriers following Lewis Hamilton battle

CHARLES LECLERC has crashed out of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Monegasque driver has smashed into the barriers in the second lap after a battle with Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc emerges from his Ferrari after crashing at the Italian Grand Prix Credit: Sky Sports Ferrari driver Leclerc sits on the grass after crashing out at the Italian Grand Prix Credit: Sky Sports Ferrari driver Leclerc crashes into the barriers at the Italian Grand Prix Credit: Sky Sports Leclerc’s Ferrari is recovered by a tractor at the Italian Grand Prix Credit: Getty Leclerc suddenly lost grip around the infamous Parabolica and flew through the gravel, leaving the race red-flagged on the third lap. An aggressive opening-lap move alongside teammate Hamilton gave four-time champion Max Verstappen an overtaking opportunity, dropping Leclerc to fourth. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! The nine-time race winner then appeared to be running well with Oscar Piastri following closely behind. But footage from Sky Sports has shown Leclerc’s car suddenly snapping to the left and sending him into the barriers. Leclerc endured a massive 60G sideways impact. Fortunately, he was quick to emerge from his smashed up car as he was seen sitting on the grass before walking back to the pits. Drivers were forced to wait for nearly 30 minutes as urgent repair work was required to fix the damaged barriers. An extra-formation lap was then required Racing Bulls stand-in Yuki Tsunoda lined up on the grid out of position. Most read in Sport Comment now