RACE START: Verstappen retains Saudi Arabian GP lead from Piastri but is hit with penalty while Gasly and Tsunoda crash

Red Bull's Max Verstappen held the lead from pole at the start of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, defending aggressively from Oscar Piastri as drama unfolded behind.

Verstappen and Piastri went wheel-to-wheel into the first corner with the polesitter taking to the Turn 1 run off to protect his lead. Via team radio, Piastri voiced that the positions should be switched.

The stewards would soon agree, with Verstappen handed a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining advantage.

At Turn 4, the drama continued with Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda colliding and spinning in unison into the walls, causing the Safety Car to be deployed. While Gasly retired on the spot, Tsunoda was able to continue in his Red Bull.

LIVE COVERAGE: All the action from the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Lando Norris started from 10th and benefitted from the incident ahead to progress to eighth while, under the Safety Car, Jack Doohan, Esteban Ocon and Gabriel Bortoleto pitted to swap from medium rubber to hard Pirellis, putting themselves on an alternate strategy to most.

Hit go on the video player above to watch the race start from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.