MUST-SEE: Perez holds up Hamilton in epic battle to play Verstappen back into fight in Abu Dhabi

Sergio Perez made no secrets ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that he would do everything in his power to help Red Bull team mate Max Verstappen claim his first title – and the Mexican put his words into action on Lap 20 of the race.

With Hamilton having emerged well ahead of Verstappen after the first round of pit stops – having jumped polesitter Verstappen at the start of the race, before an edgy first-lap tussle between the two – the yet-to-stop Perez took over the lead, before fighting tooth-and-nail with Hamilton to allow Verstappen to close up their battle and get back into contention.

RACE START REPLAY: Controversy as Hamilton and Verstappen duel on Lap 1 as title-deciding season finale gets under way

Watch Perez and Hamilton’s epic duel in the video up top.