Perez snatches F1 STC Saudi Arabian GP title after clashing with his Red Bull teammate

Perez capitalized on a dramatic conclusion to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to clinch a stunning victory, after clashing with his Red Bull Racing teammate shortly before the checkered flag.

The Mexican driver, who had taken the lead late on, was locked in a tense battle with Max Verstappen as the pair crossed the finish line, with Verstappen having to settle for second place.

It was a tumultuous conclusion to the race, as Perez and Verstappen had been engaged in a dramatic duel for the top spot in the closing stages. Verstappen, who had led the race from the start, had been heading for a straightforward win until Perez, having pitted twice to mid-race, surged past his teammate with just two laps remaining.

The pair then collided as they battled for the lead, with Verstappen initially appearing to have the upper hand. But Perez, who was running on fresher tires, had enough speed to fight back, and was able to cross the line just 0.4 seconds ahead of his teammate.

The victory was Perez’s second this season, having won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in June, and his first with Red Bull. It was also a record-breaking feat; the first time that a Mexican driver has won a Formula 1 race on a track outside of their own country.

The result sees Perez move into third place in the drivers’ standings, with 171 points, while Verstappen remains second with 177 points. Lewis Hamilton, who finished fifth, remains in first place with 197 points.

For Red Bull, the result provides a timely boost, with the team having struggled to match Mercedes’ pace in 2020. The team will now hope to maintain their momentum as the championship moves to its next stop in Bahrain.