Charles Leclerc was left sitting in pain on the grass after suffering a dramatic 160mph crash at the start of the Italian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari favourite lost control of his car at the final bend, the Parabolica, on the second lap as he duelled with Oscar Piastri for fourth place.

Leclerc’s impact with the wall was severe with only a short portion of gravel to slow his trajectory into the hoardings, which he thudded side-on.

The Monegasque soon jumped out of the car but then sat disconsolately on the grass as he was comforted by a marshal before being taken away in the medical car. He was feeling his neck as he went for treatment. Ferrari said he had been released from the medical centre without injury. 

The race was red-flagged and some fans in the grandstands cried at the huge blow for their team.

Charles Leclerc spins off at the Parabolica turn and crashes into the barriers

Leclerc was seen with his head in his hands on the grass after the heavy smash

The two Ferraris came together with Hamilton (left) dropping several places as a result

By this point, Leclerc had already squeezed Lewis Hamilton on the second part of the opening Del Refillo chicane and was driving somewhat erratically. Hamilton was furious, saying: ‘Charles pushed me off.’ 

The seven-time world champion, who started fourth, fell down to 10th place.

George Russell was leading the race for Mercedes when the race was suspended after passing pole man Pierre Gasly on the main straight at the end of the first lap.

Leclerc’s stricken car was taken away by crane.

Organisers announced the race would resume at 2.39pm, UK time.