10 things we learned from the 2023 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Sergio Perez’s latest street track victory has raised his hopes of really taking on Max Verstappen for the 2023 world title. That and the Mexican driver’s victory in the tweaked sprint format, along with his team-mate’s George Russell clashes, meant Perez left the Baku weekend nine points closer in the points standings. He is now just six back from the reigning world champion.

That is the headline takeaway. But there was also Charles Leclerc taking what was Ferrari’s only realistic chance for 2023 qualifying glory – twice – plus big news concerning design legend Adrian Newey and terrifying pitlane scenes come the main race’s end.

Here’s everything we learned from the seventh Baku F1 weekend.

1. Perez can repel a relentless Verstappen, but title tests come on unfavourable ground

There can be no doubt Perez was the driver of the weekend just gone, where his year-on-year Baku gains compared to Verstappen were seriously impressive. He was better on the medium tyres early on and even reckoned he’d have had a go at passing his team-mate had Red Bull not pulled the Dutchman in.

PLUS: How Perez laid down his title credentials in Baku

But it cannot be denied that the safety car timing was the defining factor in Perez’s second Baku victory, as it confined Verstappen to sliding around in his team-mate’s wake. There is a consensus starting to form in the paddock that the mandated 2023 floor and diffuser changes have made following another car slightly harder than last year. Yet, Verstappen didn’t give up, as evidenced by his various wall strikes, and in the face of such sustained pressure, Perez didn’t wilt. This was seriously impressive.

Perez reckons without Melbourne-style problems he can challenge Verstappen for the title. If he can keep up his high level, he might be right. But this must be balanced by the conflicting ‘team or driver?’ explanations of the brake issues Red Bull had in Australia, which didn’t bother Verstappen as much. On the other hand, Perez has been mighty on courses that suit his style so far in 2023.

Expect more of the same in Miami and Monaco, where the need to be precise between walls rewards an understeer preference. The big tests loom, however, at Imola and Barcelona.

The Red Bull/Newey partnership will continue into the future

Photo by: Red Bull…