SPRINT START: Watch the opening lap from the Sprint in Austin as Verstappen defends the lead while Norris leaps up to second

Max Verstappen executed the perfect getaway off the line for the Sprint at the Circuit of The Americas, keeping the Mercedes of George Russell behind on the opening lap.

The Dutchman’s championship rival Lando Norris was disappointed after qualifying in P4, but an audacious overtake on both Russell and Charles Leclerc allowed the McLaren man to improve to P2 early on.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the F1 Sprint in the United States

With the majority of the teams trying to make the most of their upgrade packages in Austin, a handful of drivers went off the Texas track but kept the racing clean.

Click go on the video player above to watch the Sprint start from Austin.