As the lights went out, Norris cut across to the left side of the track to cover off Verstappen. Nevertheless, as he took Turn 1, he'd do so with too much speed, which led to understeer and saw him leave the track.

Despite rejoining promptly, George Russell would sense his chance to nab P2 and up alongside Norris he'd take the position on the back straight at Turn 3.

Carlos Sainz dropped to P4 as Oliver Bearman leapt from P14 to P8, with Oscar Piastri dropping down to P7 after Liam Lawson collided into him at the start, much like Gabriel Bortoleto collided into Lance Stroll at the same corner. Lewis Hamilton would take advantage of the Turn 1 melee jumping to P12 having started in P19.

The Racing Bulls driver's damage triggered a Virtual Safety Car.

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