Pit problem and puncture end George Russell’s hopes as Sergio Perez takes victory

Racing Point’s Perez took the chequered flag on an extraordinary evening in Bahrain

George Russell led for most of the race (Kamran Jebreili/AP)

George Russell was robbed of a probable victory on his Mercedes debut following a puncture in the closings stages of the Sakhir Grand Prix.

Sergio Perez took the chequered flag on an extraordinary evening in Bahrain to claim the first win of his career ahead of Renault’s Esteban Ocon and Racing Point team-mate Lance Stroll.