Formula 1's Bizarre Hungaroring Start: Hamilton Alone on Grid Five Years Ago

The 2021 Formula 1 season was fiercely contested, with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton trading wins and podiums. As the championship reached the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit, tensions were high following a controversial crash between Hamilton and Verstappen at the previous race in Silverstone.

Verstappen held a slight lead in the drivers' standings, and the race at Hungaroring was set to be another critical battle. However, the start of the Grand Prix itself became one of the most surreal moments in modern Formula 1 history.

Under wet conditions, Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas locked his brakes at Turn 1, triggering a massive pile-up that eliminated several cars. In the ensuing chaos, Lewis Hamilton found himself completely alone on the main straight when the lights went out for the restart. The rest of the field remained in the pit lane exit, waiting.

Despite this unprecedented solitary start, Hamilton staged an incredible recovery drive. He ultimately finished the race third on the road, but was later promoted to second place following the disqualification of Sebastian Vettel.