RACE START: Watch the start of the Sao Paulo GP as Norris holds the lead

Lando Norris fended off Kimi Antonelli to cling onto the lead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as Gabriel Bortoleto crashed out of his home event later on in the opening lap.

The McLaren driver executed a better launch than Antonelli, leaving the Mercedes youngster under threat from Charles Leclerc, but the top three ultimately remained in the same order.

There was a close battle between Oscar Piastri and a charging Isack Hadjar, with the Australian narrowly holding onto fourth position while George Russell came close to losing a place to Pierre Gasly.

Elsewhere, there was heartbreak for Bortoleto who found the barrier during a tussle with the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll, forcing a Safety Car period to recover his damaged car.

Lewis Hamilton also had a less than ideal opening lap as he clipped the rear of Franco Colapinto's car and lost his front wing, sending him into the pits for a replacement.

Click go on the video player above to see how the start of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix unfolded.