F1 2023: Perez takes back-to-back victory, leads Red Bull 1-2 at Azerbaijan GP

Following a three week break, Formula One finally returned this weekend for the fourth round of the 2023 season at the Baku City Circuit i.e. the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. After winning his first ever Sprint race yesterday, it was Sergio Perez who took second consecutive win at the main race as well, leading a Red Bull 1-2, followed by Leclerc in the final podium position.

Charles Leclerc started the race from Pole position, and managed to keep the first place for three laps. Once the DRS was activated, it was a matter of time before Max Verstappen's Red Bull overtook the race leading Ferrari. Just two laps later, Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez also moved past Leclerc onto P2.

Nyck de Vries' race ended after bumping into barriers, resulting in the deployment of Safety Car. Provisional race leader Verstappen was pitted right before the Safety Car came out, and hence, dropped down a few positions, while the entire grid used the opportunity to make a cheap pit stop. Despite falling down the order, the reigning champion soon cruised ahead to P2, with the two Red Bull drivers only going on to increase their lead from the pack in the following laps.




Take a look at all the point scorers at the 2023 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix -

1. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

4. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

7. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

8. George Russell (Mercedes)

9. Lando Norris (McLaren)

10. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)





Apart from de Vries, Zhou Guanyu also had to retire his car after facing a technical issue. Hulkenberg and Ocon continued to run their Hard tyres for the entire length of the GP, after starting the race from the pit lane. The two drivers ended up pitting just before the last lap, falling to the back of the grid. George Russell ended up sneaking one extra point after taking the fastest lap.

Stay tuned to TOI Auto for all updates on the 2023 Formula One season, including all qualifying, sprint and race reports.Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.