RACE START: Watch the getaway in Baku as Leclerc cleanly clings onto P1 while Perez jumps Sainz

Polesitter Charles Leclerc clung onto the lead on the opening lap in Baku as Sergio Perez got the better of Carlos Sainz in a smooth getaway.

It was a perfect launch for the Monegasque who built on his fourth pole position on a row at this circuit to establish a clean lead over the McLaren of Oscar Piastri.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Elsewhere, it was a strong start for the Red Bull duo of Perez and Max Verstappen as both improved on their qualifying positions around the first few corners. Lando Norris also managed to make moves up from his starting spot of P15 while Lance Stroll and Yuki Tsunoda came together.

Click play on the video above to relive the race start from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.