Sergio Perez Wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix Sprint Event Ahead of F1 World Championship Race in Baku

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez clinched the win in Saturday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix sprint event, setting the tone for Sunday’s fourth round of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship in Baku.

The sprint race marked the first of its kind this season, with a new qualifying format that saw Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc lead from pole ahead of Perez.

To get away with maximum points today was the objective, but we know tomorrow is the main race. We will do our best to fight for another win.

Salir con la mayor cantidad de puntos era el objetivo y se logró. Pero mañana es la carrera importante vamos a darlo todo para pelear… pic.twitter.com/3h1ZrRBfHu

— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) April 29, 2023

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and George Russell (Mercedes) collided over third place, resulting in a safety car interruption before Verstappen retook third from Russell.

Perez, utilizing DRS on lap 8, overtook Leclerc and widened the gap to take the victory. Leclerc held onto second place despite Verstappen’s damaged car, whose floor and sidepod were affected by his clash with Russell.

Baku’s circuit is known for its tight corners and high speeds, providing a challenge for drivers and teams alike.

2023 F1 Azerbaijan sprint results