LAP ONE REPORT: F1 Qatar Sprint Race CHAOS requires safety car

Jay Winter
Saturday 7 October 2023 20:45 - Updated: 21:01

World championship leader Max Verstappen and McLaren star Lando Norris have suffered a dreadful start on the opening lap of the Qatar Sprint race, dropping down the order after a chaotic opening lap.

Pole-sitter Oscar Piastri got away well while his team-mate Norris went from second to sixth in a matter of moments before Liam Lawson brought out a safety car when the Kiwi driver beached his AlphaTauri after Turn one.

The Ferraris took advantage of Verstappen and Norris' slow starts with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc picking up third and fourth on the opening lap.

READ MORE: Sargeant spin brings out SECOND safety car in Qatar Sprint