Team orders from Red Bull with Perez told not to fight Verstappen

Max Verstappen is in the lead in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Dutchman started the race from the third position, but was able to capture the first spot partly due to team orders from Red Bull Racing.

After Sergio Perez already passed Charles Leclerc at the first corner, the drivers had to deal with a virtual safety car within ten laps due to the retirement of Carlos Sainz. Ferrari then chose to bring the Monegasque in for a tire change, leaving Perez and Verstappen free to drive away.

Verstappen then got very close to Perez and had the opportunity to use his DRS on the straight. Notable in this was the team orders from Red Bull. The Austrian racing team told both drivers not to fight with each other, so as not to give Leclerc a chance.

Leclerc's retirement helps Red Bull

A few laps later, the drivers suddenly received the news that Leclerc had crashed out with engine problems, allowing Verstappen and Perez to outrun the competition in Baku. George Russell is provisionally driving in third place, putting a podium finish in the offing.