The Mexican driver started second behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc after fuel concerns robbed Max Verstappen of an almost certain pole position on Saturday. A similarly frustrating Sunday led to a 7th place finish for the Dutchman; though this was still better than the Mercedes' duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell who both made uncharacteristic errors, finishing 9th and 14th respectively.
Perez took the lead into turn 1 and stayed there as he and Leclerc pulled away from a struggling Carlos Sainz Jr., who finished 3rd. Perez's lead was comfortable until a drying track necessitated a switch to slick tyres where Leclerc managed to closed the gap. Perez held off the Monegasque driver during a difficult middle portion of the race before pulling away during the final 20 laps, pulling a gap wide enough to cancel out his subsequent 5 second penalty for infringements under the safety car. This deserved race win marks Perez's first race victory since Monaco.
A disappointing day for Verstappen means Perez and Leclerc take the world title fight to Suzuka in Japan where the Dutchman has to be favourite to be crowned world champion for the second time.