Pole-sitter Lando Norris got the perfect launch in the Qatar Sprint as his team mate Oscar Piastri leapt up into P2 ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell, battling him throughout the opening lap.
McLaren took the upper hand at the beginning of the 19-lap Sprint, while this season's world champion Max Verstappen dropped down to ninth after an underwhelming qualifying performance that saw him start in P7.
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the F1 Sprint in Qatar
Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg had an excellent start to the Sprint as they both improved a couple of spots, leaving the championship contenders Ferrari struggling in P4 and P6.
Click go on the video player above to watch the Sprint start from Qatar.
Next Up
Related Articles
6 moments you missed at the Chinese Grand Prix.webp)
Why has Wheatley left Audi – and is he off to Aston Martin?
Mercedes appoint new Deputy Team Principal
Listen to F1 Nation's Chinese GP review
Think you know the new F1 rules? Prove it in the all‑new F1 Regulations Trivia Challenge
Why Button feels ‘a little bit jealous’ of Alonso and Stroll