Jolyon Palmer endured an early exit from the Monaco Grand Prix as an accident in treacherous conditions ended the 25-year-old's contest.

The sheer volume of water pouring down onto the streets of the principality over the course of Sunday morning meant that come lights out, FIA Formula One Race Director Charlie Whiting had no choice but to start the race behind the safety car.  

The spray began to settle a little after seven laps, whilst the sun was also trying to break its way through the thick grey cloud in the Monaco skies. Duly, the lights on the safety car went out and the race proper was underway.

With conditions still tricky over the start/finish line, well beyond the acceleration zone on the exit of Anthony Noghes, there was nothing Jolyon could do as his Renault Sport F1 R.S.16 immediately lost traction over a zebra crossing – the painted stripes slick, sending the Renault skewing into the Armco and skimming down into the St Devote barriers.

The incident ended his race and a disappointing weekend for the Renault Sport F1 Team. Both Jolyon and team-mate Kevin Magnussen had experienced contact with the barriers during practice, with the latter having another two accidents of his own during the race. Magnussen was able to continue initially, despite contact with another car, but he lost control of the Renault again around the mid-distance stage and nerfed his yellow machine into the barrier - he eventually limped back to the pits and into retirement.

Jolyon and the squad will now look ahead to the Canadian Grand Prix in two weeks time, where collectively they will hope for an upturn in fortunes.