Max Verstappen has won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix securing a Red Bull one-two with Sergio Perez coming home in second.
Their closest rivals this season, Ferrari, ran into engine issues that led to the early demise of their Baku City battle – Carlos Sainz on Lap nine, followed by Charles Leclerc on Lap 20.
The Monegasque driver looked set to battle it out for a close finish with Verstappen, but his plans to close the gap in the driver’s standings were hampered by the disastrous engine issues.
Sunday’s win sees Verstappen extend his world championship lead to 21 points, with his teammate Perez taking an additional point for the fastest lap. This secured second in the title fight for the Mexican driver after overtaking Leclerc, who is now a further 13 points back.
Joining the Red Bull duo on the podium was Mercedes’ George Russell. Speaking to reporters after the race, he said: “As you said before you have to be there at the end to pick up the pieces.
“Thank you to all the team back at Brackley and Brixworth for getting the car to the end.
“It is not easy this year with everything going on, the cars are going through a torrid time with the bouncing and pleased to bring home P3.”
Sergio Perez, then said: “It was the right call made by the team because at the time Max was a bit further ahead, it was just a good team result.
“In this place, anything can happen so to get a team one-two, it’s a good team result.”
Race winner, Max Verstappen added: “You can never make up what you lost last year but I think today we had an incredible pace in the car.
“We could really look after the tyres and we could chip away at it and pass for the lead.
“Maybe a tiny bit lucky with the retirement but nevertheless our car was really quick today to close that gap then you have a race on your hands.
“Overall, really happy with the balance of the car today.”
