On lap 13, the Dutchman gauged his opportunity and used the Drag Reduction System (DRS) to blow by Norris into Turn One and reclaim the lead. Perez, who had also pitted, finished third behind Hamilton.
For tenth place, Bearman quickly overtook Zhou Guanyu.
On lap 18, Perez moved by Norris to complete a Red Bull one-two, with the winner leading by 5.3 seconds. Bearman then moved up to ninth position by overtaking Haas, the driver of Hulkenberg.
Verstappen was leading Perez by seven seconds by lap 25, while Norris was a hard-charging third, holding off Leclerc until lap 27.
With twelve laps left, Norris was brought in by McLaren.
There was a lot of excitement on the grid ahead of the floodlit race after another day of paddock intrigue that saw Red Bull settle things down with senior advisor Helmut Marko confirmed to remain in his position, much to Verstappen’s satisfaction.
As he lined up eleventh, Bearman was the center of attention and exuded confidence.
When Verstappen drove clear and Leclerc held off a challenge from Perez, the Mexican pulled back to take second at the start of lap four. Pierre Gasly had reported a gearbox issue to Alpine prior to the start.For the teenager, it was a test of nerves, endurance, and physical fitness in the longest race of his life. And he received a perfect score.
