Nico Hulkenberg was forced into retirement at turn one of the Russian Grand Prix for a second consecutive year after being hit by Esteban Gutierrez, who was penalised for the offence.
The Sahara Force India driver found his car damaged by the clash with the Haas F1 Team driver, and subsequent hits from other drivers ended his race on the spot, mere yards from where he ended his race in 2015.
Hulkenberg is now heading to the Spanish Grand Prix in two weeks time looking to turn around his form after now failing to score in any race since the season opening Australian Grand Prix in March.
“It was a very frustrating end to my weekend,” said Hulkenberg. “I got to turn two and felt a big shove from behind: Esteban (Gutierrez) out-braked himself, hit me and spun me around. I was hit by other cars and the damage was too much to even attempt to continue.
“It’s very disappointing and not the way I wanted to celebrate my 100th race weekend. Hopefully our luck will change soon as we have been very unlucky lately.
“We should have some upgrades in Spain and I want to be back scoring the points we deserve.”
