F1 Spanish Grand Prix LIVE RESULT: Russell dramatically STEALS lead after Leclerc forced to quit race – updates

Bottas makes a mistake!

The Finnish driver goes too wide and allows Sainz through the gap before Hamilton also capitalises and moves up to P5.

What a drive this is from the Mercedes driver, those upgrades have definitely worked.

10 laps to go!

As expected, Perez takes the fastest lap off Hamilton with ease just moments after putting on new tyres.

But here is how podium looks as it stands:

Bottas follows in fourth but Sainz and Hamilton are gaining on the Alfa Romeo driver…

Hamilton takes the fastest lap

The Mercedes man shows still has it as he takes the fastest and an extra championship point.

However, teammate Russell and Red Bull’s Perez have just put on a new set of slick tyres as they attempt to snatch it off him.

Red Bull tell Perez to make way

The messages comes in that Perez is on a different strategy to Max and he should let him pass.

The Mexican replies: “That’s unfair, but ok.”

And just like that Verstappen takes the lead of the race and also the championship.

16 laps to go!

Lap 45 – Max pits to give Perez the lead

The Dutch driver hands the lead back over to his teammate as he pits for a fresh set of mediums.

Crucially he comes out in front of Russell so it’s still a Red Bull 1-2.

But will Perez hand back the lead?

With Leclerc’s retirement, if Max takes the chequered flag he will take the championship lead.

Lap 38 – Max takes the lead

Despite all his DRS problems earlier on in the race, the Dutchman now finds himself in the lead.

He was gaining on Russell before the Mercedes man pitted for fresh tyres.

It looked like he was going to have to fight his teammate Perez for the lead but a change of strategy sees the Mexican also sees pit.

Smart move by Red Bull.

They now have a two car buffer between themselves and Russell.