Lewis Hamilton wins incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Daniel Ricciardo crashes into Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton (in helmet) is being congratulated after his victory. [Photo: Courtesy]

Lucky Lewis Hamilton triumphed at a frenetic Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Valtteri Bottas saw victory snatched from his grasp and Max Verstappen was sent crashing out of the race by his own teammate.

Hamilton looked ready to settle for third place in Baku before the late drama unfolded.

The Red Bull drivers collided on lap 40 as Daniel Ricciardo attempted to pass Verstappen who was lying fifth.

The young Dutchman had earlier overtaken the Australian during his pit-stop as the race entered its final stages.

Minutes before the crash, Ricciardo was advised: "You are going to have to do him again."

But he misjudged the manoeuvre and ensured the team finished the weekend empty handed.

The safety car was immediately deployed but the excitement was just beginning.

Bottas led from Sebastian Vettel but the German slipped behind teammate Kimi Raikkonen and title rival Hamilton after the restart.

Bottas then suffered a puncture with just two laps remaining to leave Hamilton in front and the Brit went on to claim his first victory of the season and move four points clear of Vettel in the drivers' standings.

It was the Mercedes driver's first victory since the US Grand Prix last October.

Raikkonen finished second with Sergio Perez completing the podium line-up in the Force India as Ferrari's Vettel was forced to settle for fourth.

He said: "Valtteri did a great job and deserved to win. It feels odd to be up here but I didn't give up."

Verstappen has been embroiled in controversy this season having crashed into championship leader Sebastian Vettel two weeks ago in China.

The 20-year-old also crashed during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, and again during first practice in Azerbaijan on Friday.