Max Verstappen snatched the lead of the Sprint in Belgium from Oscar Piastri on the opening lap, with Lando Norris also falling back a place for McLaren.
Piastri made a perfect start and fended off the Red Bull into La Source. But with a skinny rear wing, Verstappen was able to take full advantage of his straight line advantage to pull ahead on the long run to Les Combes.
Charles Leclerc copied Verstappen's move, to leapfrog Norris for third.
It was a difficult start for Alpine, with Fanco Colapinto beginning the race in the pitlane after changing his rear wing, while Pierre Gasly was wheeled off the grid from eighth with a suspected water leak.
Click play on the video above to watch the Sprint start at Spa-Francorchamps.
Next Up
Related Articles
BettingOur final Austrian Grand Prix betting predictions made
Why F1 teams are operating at a level never seen before
Why Palmer believes Ferrari should back Hamilton over Leclerc
How many power unit components has each driver used in 2026?
AS IT HAPPENED: Russell seals Austria pole as Verstappen crashes
UnlockedWhat To Watch For in the Austrian Grand Prix