Perez profits from Baku chaos after Verstappen crash and Hamilton error
Verstappen looked to be coasting to a second consecutive Formula One win and seventh straight podium – both career firsts.
The Red Bull driver, four points ahead of Hamilton in the standings prior to the race, was well in the clear after earlier benefitting from a slow Hamilton pit stop.
But Verstappen’s left-rear tyre blew out and ended his race, prompting the furious Dutchman to kick his car in anger.
Lance Stroll had encountered the same issue with the hard Pirelli tyres, swerving out of control when he had been fourth, albeit without pitting.
A red flag – requested by a concerned Red Bull team – followed Verstappen’s crash with just three laps remaining, meaning a standing start with Perez ahead of Hamilton on the front row of the grid following the delay.
In another twist, Hamilton and his smoking brakes careered off the circuit from the restart and Perez raced away to lift Red Bull spirits.
