RACE START: Watch the getaway in Australia as Verstappen holds the lead before forced retirement

Max Verstappen made a clean getaway from pole position as the Australian Grand Prix got underway, before a his race came to a dramatic end with a forced retirement.

Verstappen had a smooth launch off the line when the lights went out at the Albert Park Circuit, as did fellow front row-starter Carlos Sainz from second.

LIVE COVERAGE: All the action from the 2024 Australian Grand Prix

But further back, Perez – who had started from P6 after being hit with a three-place grid penalty – lost out to the Mercedes of George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton also made gains from P11.

Sainz would go on to overtake his Red Bull rival Verstappen on Lap 2 of the race, before the reigning champion was forced to exit proceedings after his brake appeared to catch fire.

Hit go on the video player above to relive the race start in Australia, and keep up with the rest of the action on our live coverage here.