Monaco GP red flagged due to heavy rain

The Monaco Grand Prix has been red flagged before it has even begun amid heavy rain in Monte Carlo.

The teams and drivers were on the grid and ready to go racing when pre-race spots of rain turned into a downpour.

The start was delayed by nine minutes as the FIA monitored an approaching rain cloud before cars were sent out for two laps behind the Safety Car.

But as the rain grew more intense, the red flag was thrown, with all teams and drivers returning to pit lane.

FIA explain why they delayed race start

Providing some information on their decision to initially delay the race start by nine minutes, the FIA said: "Race control was monitoring a severe downpour that was rapidly approaching the circuit, and as it arrived during the start procedure, the Safety Car start and its associated procedures were implemented.

"This was done for safety reasons in consideration that there has been no wet running this weekend."

But as the rain intensity increased, the race was then red flagged, with teams left waiting in their garages for news of when the Grand Prix will begin.