Fresh off the back of his 12th pole position of the year, Max Verstappen enjoyed a fine start when the five lights went out for the 2023 season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, leading fellow front row starter Charles Leclerc into Turn 1.
With 58 laps ahead of them, the drivers were on their best behaviour for the final getaway of the year at the Yas Marina Circuit, with Lewis Hamilton causing the main drama after running wide at Turn 1 and then coming close to contact with the Red Bull of Sergio Perez – with Hamilton’s team mate George Russell passed for P4 by Lando Norris.
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Leclerc, meanwhile, signalled his intent by trying to out-drag Verstappen down to Turn 9 – with the reigning champ just doing enough to stay ahead.
Enjoy the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race start in the video above.
Next Up
Related Articles
BettingOur final predictions and latest United States GP odds
UnlockedWhy Alonso seems as hungry as ever 20 years on from his last title
How Lawson helped Lindblad by sacrificing his Q3 run
Antonelli surges to dominant victory in United States GP
Antonelli and Mercedes 'faster than us' in US GP – Mekies
AS IT HAPPENED: Antonelli wins United States GP in Austin