RACE START REPLAY: Hamilton grabs the lead from pole-sitter Verstappen into Turn 1 at COTA

With Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton lining up first and second on the grid, the stage was set for a barnstorming start to the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas.

And when the lights went out it was the Mercedes of Hamilton who got a better getaway – something Verstappen was immediately aware of as he darted across the track in an effort to cut Hamilton off.

But it didn't work – Hamilton was already going too quickly and the seven-time champion was able to sweep into Turn 1 in the lead of the race.

Hit play on the video above the see how the start panned out, and tap here to follow all the action from the race in our live blog.