Why Verstappen wore Perez's race boots in Baku practice

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix had already seen a late arrival after Valtteri Bottas had to complete his media requirements from an airport in Finland but something will arrive even later than the Mercedes driver.

Max Verstappen was forced to wear a pair of Sergio Perez's yellow race boots during first practice in Baku with his own footwear still in transit to the 'city of fire'. A plain blue pair [non-Puma, Verstappen's brand] was worn in FP2.

Asked if there was an impact to borrowing a spare pair of boots, Verstappen said: "It didn't affect things, of course. The size wasn't entirely correct but it was fine." 

Red Bull confirmed the Dutchman's boots were on their way to the circuit and should arrive before final practice, adding the potential issues faced were decreased due to the 23-year-old and Perez being the same size.

The team also explained that the number of spares taken to a race weekend meant there would be no adverse effect to Perez's supply of boots across the next two days.

There were clearly no signs of issues as Verstappen topped first practice before Perez headed a one-two in the afternoon session as Red Bull aim to build on its championship lead over a struggling Mercedes team.

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