WATCH: Huge drama at Silverstone as Verstappen crashes out after contact with Hamilton

The fans at Silverstone didn’t have to wait long for drama in Sunday’s British Grand Prix, as title rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton tangled on Lap 1 while disputing the lead, sending Verstappen into the barriers at 180mph.

As the Dutchman climbed from his car, the race was red flagged with Hamilton running in second place, behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who took the lead amid the drama.

The incident occurred at the fearsome Copse Corner – Turn 9 – after polesitter Verstappen had beaten Hamilton off the line and then repelled several attacks. But approaching the flat-out right hander, Hamilton pulled alongside Verstappen and as they rounded the corner the Mercedes – on the inside – tagged the rear of the Red Bull, sending it through the gravel on a collision course with the tyre barriers.

The incident was quickly referred to the stewards to investigate, with Red Bull and Mercedes understandably at odds about whether Hamilton should be penalised. Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner was quick to insist to FIA Race Director Michael Masi that “full blames lies with Hamilton”, while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made a bee-line to speak to the stewards in person.

With Verstappen leading Hamilton by 33 points heading into the race, but now set to score none, the outcome of the stewards' inquiry will be all important.