Zhou, who had started ninth, was tipped over on the run down to the opening Abbey turn, and launched through the gravel trap towards the barriers.
There was no immediate information regarding the condition of Zhou, although medical crews were quickly on the scene to attend to him.
The crash was triggered by contact between George Russell and Pierre Gasly on the run away from the start. The Mercedes spun into Zhou on the left, who then rolled over and slid on the car’s halo all the way to the catch fencing.
Russell later stopped at the first corner with his left rear tyre having been detached from the wheel.
Further back, there was a separate collision involving Alex Albon, Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon and Sebastian Vettel, who all started further down the order.
Albon and Russell were both out of the spot.
FIA race direction has since confirmed both Zhou and Albon have been taken to the medical centre for precautionary checks.
A rear view of the crash at the first start. Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo C42, George Russell, Mercedes W13, Esteban Ocon, Alpine A522, Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri AT03 and Alex Albon, Williams FW44 are involved
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
“The FIA advises that following the incident at the start of the race, emergency crews were immediately in attendance, and the drivers of Car 23 (Albon) and Car 24 (Zhou) have been taken to the medical centre,” a statement read.
“Both drivers were conscious and will be evaluated at the medical centre. Further updates will be given in due course.”
Further around the track, images appeared of protesters having invaded the track on the Wellington Track on the first lap following threats ahead of the weekend that they would do so.
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