Behind, Sainz got the jump on Russell with a fine move around the outside of Turn 4, as Hamilton held sixth over the fast-starting Leclerc, Perez, Kevin Magnussen and Lance Stroll – the Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly dropping out of the top 10 places.
Having kept Piastri behind him, Norris went on the attack, lighting up the timesheets to close in on Verstappen and, on Lap 5, bravely sent his car up the inside of the Red Bull at Turn 3, just about slowing it down at the apex to emerge with the lead.
But more excitement swiftly followed as Verstappen responded with a lunge at Turn 4, where Norris’s exit was compromised and Piastri managed to slip past his team mate, with Sainz, the two Mercedes drivers and Leclerc all watching on.
“I’m clipping way too much,” was the message from Verstappen, as he did his best to edge away from Piastri and get himself out of the Australian’s DRS window, while Russell fought back against Sainz to reclaim P4 with a clean and simple pass on the run between Turns 3 and 4.