It was the best of times for Red Bull and the continued worst of times for the rest of F1 grid. Formula One these days is about the 1-percent. And the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a race between the Red Bulls. No matter the race conditions, no matter how many yellow flags, safety car periods, or Red Flags, Red Bull is currently so far ahead that the RB19 is akin to extraterrestrial alien space technology. Ferrari showed some resistance in qualifying by securing pole position, but that is much to do with Charles Leclerc’s hustling skills, the Ferrari in race trim is no match for the Red Bull.

And so it was, the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was sporadically interesting, the opening laps always are. But the was no dramatic beginning, middle, or end. The race was predominantly one car following another, all bound together by the restrictions of a street circuit and close proximity of concrete barriers. Once again, Red Bull rubber-stamped their dominance yet again. The surprise was that Sergio Perez won the race, and Perez deserved victory he was focused and motivated, unlike his teammate.

Max Verstappen appeared to turn up in a bit of a mood, it was a sprint race weekend and Verstappen hates Sprint Races. Too much risk involved he says. F1 is about risk due to the speeds involved, and it’s also about risk management as much as skill and endeavor. Nevertheless, even a sulking Verstappen is a dangerous foe, but Perez did the job and seemed to have a marginal advantage all weekend.

The question is, can Perez keep up the consistency for the entire season? Verstappen is a demanding driver because he always delivers week in and week out. Perez has honored the tacit job of playing second fiddle to Verstappen’s Alpha Male. Perez may well conclude that this season is perhaps his best chance to win the World Championship and as such will no longer be the willing strategic sacrificial lamb.

As for the rest of the F1 grid, they really need to pull their socks up, anyway, that’s all for now, go away now!

2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Results:

1 Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing

2 Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing +2.137

3 Charles LECLERC Ferrari +21.217

4 Fernando ALONSO Aston Martin +22.024

5 Carlos SAINZ Ferrari +45.491

6 Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes +46.145

7 Lance STROLL Aston Martin +51.617

8 George RUSSELL Mercedes +74.240

9 Lando NORRIS McLaren +80.376

10 Yuki TSUNODA AlphaTauri +83.862

11 Oscar PIASTRI McLaren +86.501

12 Alexander ALBON Williams +88.623

13 Kevin MAGNUSSEN Haas F1 Team +89.729

14 Pierre GASLY Alpine +91.332

15 Esteban OCON Alpine +97.794

16 Logan SARGEANT Williams +100.943

17 Nico HULKENBERG Haas F1 Team +1 lap

18 Valtteri BOTTAS Alfa Romeo +1 lap