Ferrari's Michael Schumacher crashed with Minardi's Christijan Albers before the start of the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday and began the race in a spare car.
Dutchman Albers slammed into Schumacher from behind as the seven-times world champion drifted across him on the way to the grid in Shanghai.
Schumacher attempted to limp back to the pit with a shredded left rear tyre and his front left wheel in tatters but was forced to abandon the car.
The German started the Shanghai race from the pit lane for the second year in a row. Albers also began in a spare Minardi from the pit lane.
Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart blamed Schumacher for the collision.
"It was Michael's fault," Stoddart told Reuters. "He just didn't look in his mirrors and pulled across. Typical Minardi -- go out with a bang."
Australian Stoddart sold Minardi to Red Bull last month. The team will be renamed Squadra Toro Rosso next year.
The incident will be investigated by FIA stewards after the race.
More from rediff