Phenomenal start helps Perez chase Verstappen in Baku
General
"That lap one. Something else." @SChecoPerez pic.twitter.com/C8cqWb1AAD
— Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) June 10, 2021
- GPblog.com
Sergio Perez won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a nerve-racking finale to the race, but the biggest battle had already been won by the Mexican. Perez had the ultimate starting position on the first lap of the race.
Perez started the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from the sixth spot on the grid. The teammate of Max Verstappen had qualified in seventh place, but gained one place due to the penalty of Lando Norris. It was therefore important for Perez to quickly join Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen in P2 and P3, and to not immediately fall behind.
Perez in the attack
Perez understood that message, because after four turns, the Mexican was already in fourth place, right behind his teammate. Perez had a strong start and was able to pass Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly. This fourth position became a third when he passed Charles Leclerc, and was P2 when he undercut Hamilton.
With Verstappen's retirement, Perez was in a perfect position to take points from Hamilton. Hamilton himself eventually fell to the back of the grid due to a mistake on the restart, but Perez stayed clear. He drove to a great victory, but his great start can not be seen separately.