Verstappen takes the lead, Safety Car already out after Lap 1

Barely a corner passed at the Qatar Grand Prix, and the Safety Car was called out already as a result. While Max Verstappen could take the lead, there were two incidents at the back.

During the second phase of the start, Max Verstappen could get up to speed faster than George Russell, and could take the lead. The Briton fell back to P3, after Lando Norris could also overtake the Mercedes driver, and had a battle with Verstappen as well.

At the back, Nico Hulkenberg made a mistake and as a result crashed into Esteban Ocon, who then made contact with Franco Colapinto. The latter two could not continue, while the German had a puncture.

Lance Stroll also attacked Alexander Albon, causing the two to make contact as well. For now, both could continue.