RACE START: Watch the getaway in Japan as Albon and Ricciardo crash brings out the red flags

There was early drama as the Japanese Grand Prix got underway, with the red flags being thrown after Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo crashed out.

Max Verstappen made a clean start at the front to build a gap from Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez, while the McLaren of Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz scrapped over P3. Fernando Alonso was also looking to put himself in the action.

LIVE COVERAGE: All the action from the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix

Further back, however, contact between Albon and Ricciardo caused both cars to crash out of the running, with Albon’s Williams looking to have heavily hit the barriers.

Fortunately both drivers reported that they were okay, but the red flags were brought out as repairs began on track, while the rest of the pack returned to the pit lane.

Hit go on the video player above to relive the race start in Japan, and keep up with the rest of the action on our live coverage here.