Verstappen direct to lead, pole-sitter Sainz torpedoed by Russell

Max Verstappen managed to take the lead straight away in the United States Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver was off to a tremendous start at the extinction of the lights and had already passed pole-sitter Carlos Sainz entering the first corner. The Spaniard was then hit by George Russell.

With that, it was immediately the end of the race for Sainz. The final reason for dropping out was a water leak. Russell was penalised by race control with a five-second time penalty. Lewis Hamilton took advantage and is in second place after the start. Lance Stroll moved up from P5 to P3. Sergio Perez also had a fine start and already seems to be on a podium course.