Sakhir GP: Sergio Perez wins astonishing race after George Russell heartache
Sergio Perez claims first Grand Prix win at 190th attempt; Mercedes pit stop error and puncture cost George Russell, who finishes ninth; Esteban Ocon second for Renault with Lance Stroll completing podium
Last Updated: 06/12/20 7:04pm
Sergio Perez claimed the first Grand Prix win of his career for Racing Point at the 190th attempt in an astonishing Sakhir GP as a Mercedes tyre mix-up and then puncture cost George Russell a fairy-tale victory of his own in Bahrain.
Capping an astonishing week in Formula 1 since last week's first race at Sakhir, Russell appeared to be heading for a remarkable victory as stand in for Lewis Hamilton as he led Valtteri Bottas commandingly heading into the race's final third after taking the lead at the race start.
But the appearance of a Safety Car pushed Mercedes into an extra pit stop that they felt they could make - and it triggered an astonishing sequence of events.
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Bottas' tyres were incorrectly fitted to Russell's car, while Bottas was delayed behind, and they returned in fifth and fourth positions respectively.
When racing resumed Russell seemed capable of hunting down Perez - who had finished the first lap last after an incident involving Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who both retired - but after moving back into second he had to pit again for a puncture.
Russell finished ninth for his maiden F1 points, but it was scant consolation for what probably should have been. He is also under investigation for Mercedes' fitting of incorrect tyres on his car.
Esteban Ocon finished second for Renault with Lance Stroll third in the second Racing Point.
More to follow...
Sakhir GP result: Top 10
1. Sergio Perez, Racing Point
2. Esteban Ocon, Renault
3. Lance Stroll, Racing Point
4. Carlos Sainz, McLaren
5. Daniel Ricciardo, Renault
6. Alexander Albon, Red Bull
7. Daniil Kvyat, AlphaTauri
8. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
9. George Russell, Mercedes
10. Lando Norris, McLaren