May 1

May 1 Sergio Perez narrows gap to Max Verstappen with Baku dominance

Sergio Pérez won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowing the gap to championship leader Max Verstappen and dominating the first sprint weekend of the 2023 season.

Sergio Perez celebrates on the podium in Baku. *(Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)*

Verstappen and Pérez quickly passed pole-sitter Charles Leclerc and set about down the field when Nyck De Vries hit the wall, bringing out the safety car.

Red Bull brought Verstappen in to pit instantly, unwittingly giving Pérez the advantage when the safety car was called a lap later. The Mexican was able to pit without losing track position to his teammate, taking the lead and running away to the chequered flag.

"It has been an unbelievable weekend, I am super pleased and I cannot say more about the team, it has been a tremendous day for us and I am so proud of everyone," said Pérez.

"I want to say a big thanks to Thibaut, he is one of my mechanics who is at home for personal reasons, but he is still a very big part of our team. The team enjoy calling me the King of the Streets, I am super happy for them all. They have been tremendous all weekend, from the sprint race yesterday through to the way we executed the race today, it was perfect."

"I think today we were the fastest car on track and regardless of the safety car we would have won the race."

Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc on track during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. *(Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)*

Verstappen had to overtake Leclerc once again to regain second before pulling away to finish second, with Leclerc completing the podium after a quiet race.

Aussie Oscar Piastri finished 11th after a difficult weekend under the cloud of illness.

The victory takes Pérez closer to Verstappen in the championship standings, with Verstappen leading on 93 points. Pérez is second on 87 points, just six points behind as the fight for the 2023 World Drivers' Championship firms as a battle between the two Red Bull Racing drivers.

Tyre strategies from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix - click to expand. *(Pirelli)*

"I am definitely in the fight for the title, not just because of Baku," said Pérez.

"I believe I can be very good anywhere this season and now I am just thinking of Miami. There are a lot of races coming up and we must make sure we are on it."

After the long wait for the Azerbaijan race, the 2023 FIA Formula 1 season returns next weekend in Miami.

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2023 FIA Formula One World Championship - Round 4 Baku Race