Daniel Ricciardo secures brilliant eighth at Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Max Verstappen takes glory for Red Bull

Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo has scored factors for simply the second time this season, ending eighth on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Australian began twelfth in Baku however was in a position to execute another technique to his rivals which helped him impressively transfer up the order. 

Max Verstappen received the race forward of Crimson Bull teammate Sergio Perez, after each Ferrari drivers retired early within the race. 

Mercedes driver George Russell got here dwelling third.

It’s Verstappen’s first win in Azerbaijan and extends his lead in the drivers’ championship to 21 factors.

Ricciardo was one of many solely drivers who began the toughest compound tyre, opting to pit later within the race to be on a sooner tyre on the finish. 

Loading

As different drivers got here into the pits, Ricciardo pushed on and climbed up the order.

The Australian had his race compromised at about half-distance when he was informed to remain behind his teammate Lando Norris who was in a technique battle with Alpine’s Fernando Alonso. 

However Ricciardo was gifted a fantastic alternative when a digital security automobile was referred to as with fewer than 20 laps to go, permitting him to alter tyres with out shedding an excessive amount of time.

He took benefit to remain in eighth place, ending forward of teammate Norris in ninth. 

Ricciardo stated he hoped he was lastly syncing with the automobile after a tricky begin to the season.

“I believe we made a step in the best course,” he stated.  

Norris was urging the McLaren group to permit him to go Ricciardo late, who was scuffling with degrading tyres.

Nevertheless, the Briton’s calls fell on deaf ears together with his group reminding him of Ricciardo’s efforts to assist him earlier on.

Verstappen cruises to victory as Ferrari fails to complete 

Max Verstappen produced an ideal race across the streets of Baku, securing his fifth win of the season. 

Beginning third, the reigning world champion had life made simpler when each Ferraris retired.

Verstappen, who had by no means completed on the rostrum in Baku in 5 earlier makes an attempt, stated his automobile had the proper stability and grip across the avenue circuit. 

“Possibly a tiny bit fortunate with the retirements however nonetheless our automobile was actually good in the present day.”

After taking an early pitstop on lap 9 following the retirement of his teammate Carlos Sainz, Leclerc was exhibiting the type of tempo that threatened to win on Sunday.

However because the Monegasque driver was searching down his Crimson Bull rivals his automobile failed.

It’s his second retirement in three races with Leclerc saying Ferrari wanted to resolve its points rapidly.

“It is very very disappointing,” he informed Sky Sports activities F1.

“It is obscure for now however we should analyse.”

Leclerc, who led the drivers’ championship by greater than 40 factors after three rounds, is now in third behind Verstappen and Perez.