French Grand Prix: Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas investigated after CHAOTIC start

SEBASTIAN VETTEL and Valtteri Bottas are under investigation for causing a collision in a chaotic start to the French Grand Prix.

By Izzy Horsefield

PUBLISHED: 15:26, Sun, Jun 24, 2018 | UPDATED: 15:41, Sun, Jun 24, 2018

Sebastian Vettel SKY SPORTS

Sebastian Vettel was handed a five-second penalty for causing the collision

Vettel collided with Bottas at Turn 1 on the opening lap.

The Ferrari ace initially had a great start but ended up getting tucked up behind race leader and pole sitter Lewis Hamilton.

Vettel then locked up and slid into Bottas, sending the Finn into a spin.

The Mercedes man suffered a left-rear puncture while Vettel suffered damage to the nose of his Ferrari.

Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas F1•SKY SPORTS

Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas are under investigation

"Nose damage," Vettel said over the team radio.

"Someone hit me," Bottas was heard telling his race engineer.

Both drivers are now under investigation by race officials as a result of the crash.

Vettel SKY SPORTS

Vettel suffered front nose damage because of the crash

Bottas SKY SPORTS

Bottas picked up a left-rear puncture after the collision

Former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer believes Vettel was at fault for the incident.

“Vettel got it wrong, he locked up, was right behind Lewis Hamilton so got a dose of dirty air and tagged Bottas,” Palmer said on BBC Radio 5Live. “For me that's all Vettel.”

Vettel was later handed a five-second penalty for causing the collision.

The Ferrari man will have to serve it either at a pit stop or it will be added to his race time.