SPRINT START: Watch the opening lap of the Sprint in China as Hamilton and Verstappen duel into Turn 1

Lewis Hamilton confidently held onto his first front row start for Ferrari under the threat of Max Verstappen's rapid Red Bull on the opening lap of the Sprint in China.

The seven-time world champion quickly moved across to defend his pole position heading down the long stretch to Turn 1, preventing the Dutchman from improving upon his P2 start as Hamilton led his first Sprint for the Italian team.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the F1 Sprint in China

The frontrunners maintained their qualifying order as the 19-lap Sprint got underway cleanly, with the exception of last week's race winner Lando Norris momentarily dipping a wheel into the gravel further back and losing several places.

Watch the start of the Sprint in Shanghai by clicking play on the video above.