Sergio Perez wins the first sprint race of Formula 1 2023

You can ask yourself what this sprint race on Saturday afternoon brings to Formula 1. The clear difference is that there are no more tire stops, which sometimes make the difference between victory and defeat. No big tire strategy and a manageable, because short race that can hardly degenerate into boredom like many a long, drawn-out conventional race. But the new format, which has been adapted for this season by eliminating two of the three free practice sessions and replacing them with the shootout of the sprint race on Saturday morning and the sprint race on Saturday afternoon, is not a super hit either. Today's race in Baku / Azerbaijan was the first of a total of six sprint races in the 2023 season.

The race started at 3:30 p.m. led by Charles Leclerc on a Ferrari, who had won qualifying and started the race from pole. Close behind, the Red Bulls were fighting for the lead. Right at the start, George Russel on Mercedes and Max Verstappen touched each other in the first corner as neither wanted to give way. As a result, the bodywork of the Red Bull was slightly torn open. Verstappen's anger at Russell's hard maneuver is understandable but never a matter for the stewards. At the same time, Verstappen in particular has to take himself to task. How often has he himself in numerous races and season never wanted to give way and had collided with other drivers or had caused or accepted an accident.

Shortly afterwards, a tire of Yuki Tsunoda jumped down the track. The Alpha Tauri driver made contact with his stablemate Nyck de Vries, damaging the car. The damaged front wing caused the car to understeer, which sent Tsunoda into the wall. Then came the Virtual Safety Car followed by the real Safety Car. The rear drivers used this interruption for tire changes.

After the restart of the race, the Red Bulls were able to show their power. Max Verstappen was able to pass George Russell on the straight and Sergio Perez grabbed Charles Leclerc. The Ferraris also didn't stand a chance against the Red Bulls on the straights. The leading trio of Perez, Leclerc and Verstappen crossed the finish line as the winning trio after 17 laps. No drama, no shouting, just a short and clear race. That's it.

Verstappen in the quarrel with George Russell and the race format par excellence - in his opinion, the format could be abolished - Perez and Leclerc so far quite satisfied, Aston Martin again far ahead in 6th and 8th place and respect success for rookie Oscar Piastri of Team McLaren in 10th place far ahead of his colleague Lando Norris in 17th place. Tomorrow the hustle and bustle starts all over again!