Mercedes has continued its dominance of the 2019 Formula 1 season, claiming yet another one-two on the streets of Azerbaijan as Valtteri Bottas secured his second win of the season.

Bottas now leads the FIA Formula 1 World Championship ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton, who had pushed Bottas from start to finish.

It was a disappointing end to the race for CAMS Ambassador Daniel Ricciardo, forced to retire after a bizarre accident with former teammate Daniil Kvyat. Ricciardo attempted an ambitious overtake on Kvyat, missing the corner and forcing both he and the Torro Rosso driver into an escape road. While no contact was made in the initial incident, Ricciardo reversed into Kvyat and although the contact seemed light, it forced both drivers out of the race.

In more bad news for the Australian, the Renault driver was handed a three place grid penalty for the next race.

“It was a strange incident which forced the retirement, but it was my mistake and I’m sorry to the team and to Daniil (Kvyat),” Ricciardo said post-race. 

“It was a bit of urgency on my behalf and I didn’t think straight for a few seconds, so I have to take that one on the chin. ‘ 

“The team certainly deserved more today. We were bringing on a nice rhythm there and had some good pace on the medium to continue on and we probably could have scored points.”

While it was disappointment for Ricciardo, Bottas was elated by his win and the Mercedes’ team performance. 

“I've already said it on the radio after the race: 'What a team!',” Bottas said.

“The level at which everyone is performing at the moment is very impressive, both here at the track and back at the factory, and I'm really proud of everyone.

"This victory feels really good. When you're starting from pole, you hope for a straightforward race - the less drama, the better it is. 

Teams now return closer to ‘home’ as Formula 1 returns to Europe for the Spanish Grand Prix on 12 May.