WATCH: Relive the race start as Albon and Sainz retire from the Japanese Grand Prix

There were mixed fortunes on the grid as the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix got under way in wet conditions, rain having hit the track in the build-up to the race.

Up at the front, Charles Leclerc got the better of the front row starts from P2 and appeared to have got the job done on pole-sitter Max Verstappen, only for the Dutchman – who could win his second consecutive title if things go his way today – to brilliantly fight his way back in front.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix

Behind, though, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel made contact on the run to Turn 1, Vettel spinning into the gravel – the four-time Suzuka winner fortunate to make his way out and continue.

Later in the lap, Carlos Sainz lost his Ferrari and spun into retirement, joined by Alex Albon who appeared to lose drive on his Williams – while Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu also had a spin, and Pierre Gasly collected a loose advertising hoarding on the front of his AlphaTauri.

Enjoy a chaotic Japanese Grand Prix race start in the video above.