Verstappen retains first place in Abu Dhabi, Sainz and Hamilton battle

Max Verstappen managed to retain his first position at the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Dutchman got off to an excellent start and managed to keep Sergio Perez behind him, although his teammate did his best to get past.

On the medium tyre, Verstappen and Perez were strong off the line. The Mexican decided to get into the inside corner with his car, but Verstappen showed his muscle and made it impossible for Perez to pass him.

Hamilton and Sainz fighting for P4

Lewis Hamilton managed to do just that. Where Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz started in third and fourth respectively, the Brit managed to put his car between both Ferrari drivers. It meant Hamilton moved into P4.

Sainz tried to regain his position at lightning speed, but the driver was initially unable to do so. The Spaniard pushed Hamilton off the track at a corner on the kerbstones, after which the seven-time world champion cut a gap and came back on track. Race control decided Hamilton was at fault, forcing him to give his position back to Sainz.