SPRINT START: Verstappen leads while drama behind triggers Safety Car and forces Norris out

May 04, 2024 4:31pm UTC

There was a dramatic start to the Sprint at the Miami Grand Prix as Lando Norris suffered an early exit following an incident involving multiple cars into Turn 1.

Max Verstappen enjoyed a strong launch off the line, while Sergio Perez tried to get ahead of Charles Leclerc for P2 before having to back down, enabling Daniel Ricciardo to overtake the Red Bull.

Elsewhere, the yellow flags were soon thrown amid contact for several drivers further back, as Lewis Hamilton tried a move down the inside of Fernando Alonso but made contact with the Aston Martin.

Alonso also collided with team mate Lance Stroll, who subsequently ricocheted into the McLaren of Norris, putting the Briton out of the race. With the incident leaving some debris, the Safety Car was then called early on.

“Damage, I’m not sure," said Norris after jumping out of the car. "I think everything is ok – it looks like my rim was just gone.

"I thought it was suspension damage but no point trying to get the car back for a race where there’s hardly any points and damage anything further so best just to jump out. But it’s obvious, Lewis dived down the inside and caused the incident so nothing I could do."

Watch the eventful Sprint start in the video above.

Next Up