SPRINT START: Watch the opening lap of the Sprint in Austria as Verstappen leads while Piastri battles with Norris

It was a simply lovely start to the Sprint in Austria for pole-sitter Max Verstappen, with the Dutchman making a strong launch while a battle unfolded between the McLaren team mates behind.

After an aborted start on the first attempt – prompting a second formation lap – everyone got away cleanly when the lights went out for a second time. Verstappen held onto P1 as Oscar Piastri got alongside Lando Norris in a fight for P2, though Norris managed to hold position.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the F1 Sprint in Austria

Meanwhile George Russell and Carlos Sainz were busy scrapping for fourth, with Sainz ultimately gaining the place, before Lewis Hamilton began to apply pressure to his Mercedes team mate.

Watch the Sprint start in the video above.