MUST-SEE: Watch the captivating start to the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Leclerc leads the field

The 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix got underway at 1500 local time on Sunday and it was Charles Leclerc who led away having clinched pole on Friday.

And, as usual, the stampede through the opening 90-degree corners of Baku City Circuit was captivating. Leclerc got the best getaway with the Red Bulls in tow, while Fernando Alonso attempted to pry P5 off Lewis Hamilton right at the start.

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Behind, there was a tussle in the midfield. Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas was the biggest loser as he conceded five positions on the opening lap having been hit by Kevin Magnussen, while Alex Albon tapped Oscar Piastri – but a brief yellow flag was the only other consequence.

Leclerc's lead in the race, however, did not last long as Verstappen overtook the Ferrari man on lap 4 to lead, before Sergio Perez followed suit on lap 6, dropping the Ferrari man to third.

Watch the drama from Baku in the video player above.