That means he has 10 wins in a row.
Verstappen, Perez, Sainz, Leclerc, Russell, Hamilton, Albon, Norris, Alonso and Bottas.
Leclerc nearly crashes into the back of Sainz into Turn 1. Close one there.
Verstappen is 7.0s clear of Perez currently.
The battle between the top three rolls on as Sainz defends again.
Verstappen, Perez, Sainz, Leclerc, Russell, Hamilton, Albon, Norris, Alonso and Bottas.
Leclerc looked like he got the move done on Sainz into Turn 1 - but he locked up, allowing Sainz to get back ahead.
Perez finally gets past Sainz into Turn 1.
He's been given a five-second time penalty for contact with Piastri. Disaster for the seven-time world champion.
Verstappen, Sainz, Perez, Leclerc, Russell, Albon, Norris, Hamilton, Alonso and Bottas.
Looked like he moved into Piastri's path - let's see what the stewards will do.
Hamilton and Piastri touch into the second chicane. Looks like Piastri has wing damage.
It nearly ended Hamilton's race
Perez is now attacking Sainz for second here.
Things are getting tight between Norris and Albon.
Norris is forced to cut Turn 1 after a close duel with the Williams driver.
Perez still has Leclerc in close company for third - but he is closing in on Sainz ahead.
The laps are ticking down.
Verstappen, Sainz, Perez, Leclerc, Russell, Albon, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton and Alonso is the current order.
Leclerc can't fend him off into Turn 1 - Perez is up to third.
"He's not leaving any space!"
A close fight for third here. Perez is surely going to pass Leclerc very shortly.
Perez attacks Leclerc into Turn 1 but the Ferrari driver covers the inside.
Norris is also attacking Albon for sixth.
Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Perez, Russell, Albon, Norris, Piastri, Alonso and Hamilton.
Hamilton pits for fresh rubber.
He rejoins in tenth behind Alonso.
Verstappen overtakes Hamilton into Turn 1 for the race lead.