Perez had to settle for second behind Verstappen with Carlos Sainz third for Ferrari.
Lando Norris started third but finished only ninth following a poor opening lap, while George Russell and Lewis Hamilton (right) crossed the line in eighth and 10th respectively on an underwhelming day for Mercedes.
In damp conditions at the Red Bull Ring, pole-sitter Verstappen fell behind Perez as they blasted away from their marks. The Dutchman moved to his right on the run down to the opening corner, but Perez squeezed past to take the lead.
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