Like a new champion, buoyed by confidence and with a defence to jump-start, Max Verstappen atoned for the mishaps of Bahrain with a wonderful display to claim a dramatic victory in this desert sequel. Battle for the lead and Verstappen doesn’t have DRS but he almost shoves Leclerc through the first corner. Leclerc, Verstappen, Sainz, Perez, Russell, Hamilton, Ocon, Norris, Gasly, Stroll, Albon, Magnussen, Zhou and Hulkenberg. Perez pitted at the most unlikely time he could pit and Leclerc takes advantage and is now leading!. Out at the front, Perez is 2.6 clear of Leclerc who is a further 2.4 ahead of Verstappen with Sainz 2.5 behind the Dutchman. At the front Perez has a 2.2 second lead over Leclerc with Verstappen a further second and a half behind. Perez with a 1.1 second lead on Leclerc with Verstappen a further 1.2 behind.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•