SERGIO PEREZ cruised to victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen.

Charles Leclerc was third to earn Ferrari their first podium of the season, having started on pole.

But in truth this was a dull procession and another crushing performance from Red Bull.

However, there were chaotic scenes right at the death when team members and photographers were allowed into the pitlane BEFORE Esteban Ocon had made his pitstop.

Serious safety concerns will be raised as to how it was allowed to happen for it could have had devastating consequences.

It was the only abnormality in a routine race.

It took just four laps for Verstappen to catch and pass Leclerc, who had taken pole for the race on Friday.

It was all too easy for Verstappen's rampant Red Bull as he powered past the Ferrari man with ease to move into the lead.

Perez was next past Leclerc just two-laps later as the Mexican made it a Red Bull 1-2 in an ominous sign with the Dutchman out in front.

However, his hopes of a win were dashed when the safety car was deployed when Nyck de Vries stopped on track.

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While Verstappen dived into the pits from the lead, Perez stayed out but was given an advantage when the race was neutralised behind the safety car.

It meant that Perez was able to make his pitstop and maintain the lead he had taken from his team-mate.

He then set about trying to keep out of Verstappen's reach by plotting his way around the Baku circuit.

He looked comfortable, but for a brush with the wall at Turn 15, and crossed the line two seconds ahead of his title rival.

It means Verstappen's lead is cut to just six points in the Drivers' Championship while Leclerc was third.

It was another disappointing result for Lewis Hamilton in sixth while his team-mate George Russell was in eighth.

Meanwhile, Landon Norris came home in ninth place and took two points for his effort.

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