Max Verstappen claims Azerbaijan GP after double disaster for Ferrari

Charles Leclerc's Formula One title challenge took a massive blow at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday when he was forced to retire in his Ferrari - and watch world champion Max Verstappen ease to victory.

Sergio Perez took second to complete a commanding one-two finish for Red Bull after both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz failed to make it to the chequered flag with mechanical gremlins on a desperate day for Ferrari in Baku.

Leclerc started from pole but despite losing the lead to Perez on the first corner, he regained the initiative and seemed in a perfect position for victory until the Monaco driver's car started spewing smoke on lap 20 of 51 and he had to pull into the pits for his second retirement in three races.

Verstappen passed Perez shortly before Leclerc's failure and the reigning champion cruised to his fifth win of the season.

“Was that a good race or what?” Verstappen asked on his radio.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner replied that Verstappen had won with “a very mature drive.”

Verstappen’s title advantage over Leclerc has increased from nine points to 34 following what could prove a pivotal race in this season’s championship battle.

No, really. Well done Baku