A dramatic moment unfolded on Lap 7 of the Qatar Grand Prix as Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly collided, forcing the race into its first Safety Car phase.

The incident saw Hulkenberg lose control after contact, sending his car spinning into the barriers. Gasly, caught in the tussle, also suffered damage. Marshals rushed in immediately, and replays showed a heavy impact that brought out the yellow flags before the Safety Car was deployed.

Just moments earlier, Max Verstappen had completed his first pit stop, while the two McLarens — Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris — stayed out, maintaining track position.

Race order after Lap 7 under the Safety Car:

P1 — Oscar Piastri
P2 — Max Verstappen
P3 — Lando Norris
P4 — Kimi Antonelli
P5 — Carlos Sainz

A high-pressure restart now awaits as the field bunches up behind the Safety Car.

WATCH VIDEO: Nico Hulkenberg crashes in Lap 7 collision