(CNN)Sergio Pérez showed a brilliant drive as Red Bull capitalized on a dramatic Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Mexican started the race in third place but overtook the leaders in an action-packed race.
While Pérez won the sport’s showpiece for the first time, his teammate Max Verstappen finished third, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz second.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had started from pole but finished his home race fourth after his team’s pit stop strategy allowed Red Bull to pass the Monaco driver.
Verstappen is thus extending its lead over Leclerc at the top of the drivers’ standings.
Ferrari mistake
There was drama even before the start of the race as a long rain delay delayed the start by over an hour.
Leclerc eventually led the field away and controlled the early stages of the wet race.
But it shouldn’t be for the Ferrari driver.
Leclerc found himself behind Pérez after stopping to switch to intermediate tires and then fell behind Verstappen and Sainz after a botched pit stop dropped him to fourth.
Ferrari had tried to change their minds and urged LeClerc to stay out instead, but it was too late as the driver was already in the pit lane.
The safety car was out again after a serious crash by Mick Schumacher – the driver was unhurt – but the top positions remained unchanged at a circuit notoriously difficult to overtake.
‘A dream becomes true’
Despite Leclerc’s disappointment – and sometimes anger – an emotional Pérez was worthy of victory and celebrated in style as Red Bull left Monaco as the happiest team.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Pérez. “After your home race, it’s the special race that needs to be won.”
After a two-week hiatus, the season returns for a race in Baku, Azerbaijan before the riders travel to Montreal, Canada.
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