RACE START: Verstappen converts pole into the lead in Austria as Piastri clashes with Leclerc and Perez

Pole-sitting Red Bull driver Max Verstappen made a dream start to Sunday afternoon’s Austrian Grand Prix, keeping McLaren rival Lando Norris and the Mercedes of George Russell at bay through the first few corners.

There was some drama further back, though, with the other McLaren of Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc banging wheels at Turn 1, forcing the Monegasque back to the pits for repairs at the end of the opening lap.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix

Piastri also clashed with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez during an attempted move around the outside of Turn 4, prompting a frustrated radio message from the Australian driver who claimed that he was forced into the gravel trap.

Lewis Hamilton briefly made it up to fourth, and then third, with moves on Carlos Sainz and Russell. However, his team mate soon got back ahead, before Mercedes told Hamilton to move aside for Sainz after completing his pass off the track.

Hit go on the video player above to watch the action-packed start in Austria.