WATCH: Late drama in Baku as long-time leader Verstappen crashes out and race suspended

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix lived up to its reputation for producing dramatic moments on Sunday, as long-time race leader Max Verstappen crashed out within five laps of the chequered flag.

The Dutchman was comfortably heading Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton when his left-rear tyre suffered an apparent blowout on the pit straight, sending Verstappen into the wall at around 200mph.

Verstappen escaped the incident – which was similar to that which Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll suffered 30 laps into the race, albeit a little further back down the straight – uninjured, but was clearly frustrated at losing 25 points in the fight for the world championship, kicking out at the tyre in frustration as he walked back to the pits.

After a brief Safety Car period, the race was red flagged, with the drivers afforded the chance to change tyres before a two-lap race to the flag.

You can watch the full incident in the player above.