RACE START: Watch the chaotic race start at the Abu Dhabi GP as Norris leads while Verstappen and Piastri clash

It was a messy getaway at the start of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Lando Norris held onto the lead, while just behind him Max Verstappen tangled with the second McLaren of Oscar Piastri.

In a race where the papaya squad needed both drivers at the front to secure the constructors' title, Piastri was tagged by the Dutchman, who was trying to improve from fourth to third place.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Australian ended up facing the wrong way at the side of the track after both cars spun, but they got underway after dropping down the order. It was also a similarly bad start for Sergio Perez, who ended up stranded on track on the first lap after being tagged by Valtteri Bottas, bringing out the Virtual Safety Car.

At the front, Norris controlled the field well as Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly rounded out the top three, with the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc improving a remarkable 11 positions at the start of the 58-lap race.

Click go on the video player above to watch the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.