Perez collects 1st career win at Sakhir GP after Mercedes' gaffe

Racing Point's Sergio Perez won his first career Formula 1 race at the Sakhir Grand Prix on Sunday in Bahrain.

Perez collected the victory in his 190th F1 event. Renault's Esteban Ocon finished second while Perez's teammate, Lance Stroll, placed third.

"I'm speechless," Perez said postrace. "I hope I'm not dreaming. Ten years it took me. I don't know what to say. After the first lap, the race was gone, but it was about not giving up. I think we won today on merit."

Meanwhile, Mercedes failed to reach the podium after Valtteri Bottas and George Russell started in P1 and P2, respectively. Russell drove Lewis Hamilton's car after the reigning champion tested positive for COVID-19.

Russell led for most of the race but a late pit stop gaffe - and then a puncture - dropped the young Brit of podium contention.

The 22-year-old's ninth-place finish was the best of his career. He earned his first career F1 points with a top-10 showing.