Red Bull implode as Daniel Ricciardo-Max Verstappen collision sparks tension

On this day eight years ago, the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix descended into anarchy, serving up one of the most dramatic races of the season. 

Lewis Hamilton inherited an unlikely victory after a series of incidents decimated the field, but the day will forever be remembered for the Red Bull collision that left team management reeling and fans questioning the wisdom of allowing team-mates to race so aggressively.

The carnage began on the opening lap when Kimi Raikkonen made contact with Esteban Ocon at Turn 3, forcing the Force India driver into immediate retirement. The Finnish driver's Ferrari clipped Ocon's rear wheel as they battled for position through the tight corner complex, sending debris across the track. 

Moments earlier, Sergey Sirotkin collided with both Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg coming out of Turn 2, triggering double tyre punctures and widespread damage that necessitated an early Safety Car period. 

Yet nothing compared to the fireworks on lap 40. Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, who had been scrapping over fourth position throughout the race, finally came together as they charged down the main straight. 

The tension had been building for several laps as both drivers pushed their machinery to the limit, with neither willing to yield. Ricciardo, with DRS activated and a significant slipstream advantage, made his move as Verstappen weaved defensively. 

The Australian left his overtaking attempt too late, misjudging the braking zone and slamming into the back of his team-mate's gearbox. 

Both Red Bulls veered off into the run off area in a shower of sparks, ending their race instantly. Stewards determined both drivers shared responsibility, with each receiving reprimands.

But the drama was not over yet, as the debris from the Red Bull collision would claim another victim. Valtteri Bottas, who had dominated proceedings whilst leading by over a second and looking set for his second career victory, struck a piece of wreckage on the pit straight with approximately three laps remaining. 

The puncture destroyed his left rear tyre, sending him limping to the pits and handing Hamilton the lead and the victory.

Amid the chaos, Charles Leclerc quietly made history. The Sauber driver climbed from 13th on the grid to sixth place, scoring his maiden F1 points and becoming the first Monégasque driver to do so since Louis Chiron in 1950. 

His composed drive through the mayhem showcased the talent that would soon catch Ferrari's attention.