RACE START: Watch the first getaway of 2024 as Verstappen holds off Leclerc in Bahrain

There was action aplenty to kick off the 2024 F1 season at the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix as Max Verstappen made a strong launch to secure the lead.

Starting from pole position for the 33rd time in his career, Verstappen faced a challenge from Charles Leclerc into the first corner before the Ferrari driver was forced to back out, while George Russell and Sergio Perez chased behind, with Carlos Sainz having slipped backwards to fifth.

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Meanwhile there was drama further back for Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg, with a tangle between the pair causing both to drop to the back of the field.

Click on the video player above to relive the start in Bahrain and keep up with the rest of the action on our live coverage here.