Rapid Leclerc storms forward at the start of the Las Vegas GP

George Russell has retained the lead at the start of the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver got off the line well and led comfortably in turn one. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc stormed forward from P4 on the grid. Leclerc stayed within the DRS range to Russell over the first three laps.

George Russell qualified on pole position, alongside Carlos Sainz. Max Verstappen started in fifth, one place ahead of his closest title rival, Lando Norris. Pierre Gasly rounded out the top three. There is a space on the second row for Charles Leclerc. The top 14 drivers started on the medium tyres. Perez, in 15th, started on the hard tyres. Russell got off the line well, as Leclerc launched himself into P2. Norris and Verstappen went into turn one side-by-side, with the Dutchman staying ahead.

Meanwhile, Sergio Perez dropped backwards. The Mexican started on the hard tyres and was overtaken by Fernando Alonso on the softs. Later in the lap, Liam Lawson and Kevin Magnussen engaged in a scary duel. The two drivers did extremely well to avoid contact and a heavy crash.

Follow the live updates of the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix here.