The Australian Grand Prix has been red-flagged just eight laps in the race after Alexander Albon crashed out.
The Williams driver spun off in turn seven and hit a barrier, damaging his car and scattering debris and gravel onto the circuit. He was able to climb out of his car and appears to be uninjured.
The Safety Car was initially dispatched in response to the incident. However the FIA F1 race director Niels Wittich then decided to red flag the race.
An FIA spokesperson confirmed the race was suspended “due to the amount of gravel and debris on the track that needs clearing.”
George Russell had taken the lead of the race but pitted during the initial Safety Car period. Carlos Sainz Jnr also pitted, and the Ferrari driver expressed his frustration on learning the race would be red-flagged, as under F1’s rules all drivers are able to replace their tyres during the suspension.
The race will restart with 50 laps to go and Lewis Hamilton leading ahead of Max Verstappen. Former leader Russell fell to seventh and Sainz is 11th.
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2023 Australian Grand Prix
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