Oscar Piastri launched into the lead at the Qatar Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen overtook Lando Norris in a dramatic start to the race.
The opening moments of the race saw a strong launch from all three frontrunners, but Verstappen’s aggressive move at Turn 1 secured him second place, pushing Norris back to third. This shift is notable as Norris needs a win to clinch the championship.
Norris attempted to regain the position from Verstappen, but the effort allowed Piastri to extend his lead. Further back, George Russell experienced a difficult start, dropping three positions to P7, which elevated Kimi Antonelli to fourth.
The top ten drivers all opted for medium tires for the initial stint, while Lewis Hamilton strategically chose soft compound tires, enabling him to climb from P17 to P13 in pursuit of a points finish.
To view the opening lap action from the Qatar Grand Prix, play the video above.
