RACE START: Alonso pinches the lead from pole-sitter Perez as the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix gets under way

Fernando Alonso enjoyed a dream launch for Aston Martin as the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix got under way, surging past the Red Bull of Sergio Perez, who 24 hours previously had claimed his second career pole position at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Alonso’s joy was short-lived, however, with the stewards quickly issuing him with a five-second time penalty for an incorrect starting position on the grid.

LIVE COVERAGE: All the action from the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Behind, meanwhile, and fresh from his maiden Q3 appearance, Oscar Piastri suffered front wing damage to his McLaren MCL60 after contact with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, the Australian diving into the pits for a change – while Alonso’s team mate Lance Stroll blasted past the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz with a bold move around the outside of Turn 13.

Enjoy the race start from the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in the video above.