Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2017 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Daniel Ricciardo claimed a chaotic and controversial victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, capitalizing on a dramatic collision between championship rivals Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel to secure Red Bull's first win of the season. The race in Baku descended into farce when Vettel deliberately drove into Hamilton's Mercedes during a Safety Car period, earning a 10-second stop-go penalty but escaping further punishment in one of the season's most controversial incidents.

The drama unfolded when Vettel, running behind Hamilton under Safety Car conditions, believed the Mercedes driver had brake-tested him. In retaliation, Vettel pulled alongside and deliberately swerved into Hamilton's car, damaging both vehicles. Race stewards issued Vettel a 10-second stop-go penalty, but many felt the punishment was insufficient for such dangerous behavior. Both drivers struggled afterward - Hamilton with a loose headrest that forced an unscheduled pit stop, and Vettel dropping down the order after serving his penalty. Valtteri Bottas finished second for Mercedes, while rookie Lance Stroll claimed a shock maiden podium in third for Williams.

Ricciardo's victory came after Red Bull executed a perfect strategy, keeping him out during multiple Safety Car periods while others pitted. The Australian drove brilliantly on the challenging street circuit, setting the fastest lap and avoiding the chaos that befell others. The incident between Vettel and Hamilton sparked fierce debate about racing standards and sportsmanship, with the FIA summoning both drivers for post-race meetings. Vettel's actions tarnished what should have been a straightforward race win, and the controversy overshadowed Ricciardo's opportunistic but deserved victory.