2023-04-29 22:46:52
Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) won the first sprint race of the Formula 1 season in the streets of Baku in Azerbaijan, the scene of the 4th round of the year.
The Mexican finished ahead of Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and his teammate at Red Bull Max Verstappen, who retained the championship lead before the traditional Grand Prix on Sunday.
Sergio Perez forced the decision shortly before halfway through the short course, when he overtook Monegasque Charles Leclerc, who had started from pole position. The Mexican’s last victory dated from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix a month and a half ago. He had already won in Baku in 2021.
An accident for Verstappen
At the back, Verstappen, double reigning world champion and 3rd on the grid, had a hectic start to the sprint. In the fight to keep his position against the Briton George Russell (Mercedes), the Dutchman was hit by his opponent’s Mercedes and his single-seater was damaged at the level of the pontoon.
“I just don’t understand why take so many risks in the first round“, he railed against Russell after the finish. The Briton finished 4th ahead of the other Ferrari, that of Carlos Sainz.
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