TREMAYNE: Perez demonstrated that Red Bull has ultimately discovered what they’ve been searching for in a race of “what ifs” in Baku.
What if Yuki Tsunoda’s error in the last few laps of qualifying had allowed Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, and Lewis Hamilton to get their second runs and retained pole position for the second race in a row?
POWER RANKINGS: This week’s top finisher on the Baku podium was Perez, Vettel, or Gasly?
What if, on the second lap, Max avoided minor damage by avoiding the inside kerb, and Charles and Lewis had not been damaged somewhat by running over the falling tree limb in the second corner?
The first truly noteworthy “what if” occurred on the eleventh lap when Mercedes attempted to undercut leading Lewis but had to hold him for maybe two seconds longer than planned to prevent a dangerous discharge when Pierre Gasly pitted his AlphaTauri from fourth position as well.
Red Bull was able to react by bringing Max in a lap later, and by the time Lewis finished his next lap, he had rejoined the lead. That was crucial, but the moment Red Bull pulled Sergio in on lap 13 was even more crucial.
He smashed the record with a best lap of 1m46.881s on lap 10 and then again on lap 12, demonstrating his ability to change from soft to firm Pirellis so rapidly that he was able to retake the lead over the Mercedes.
Watch the top 10 onboards from Baku, from Hamilton’s “magic” moment to the final lap Haas duel.
Christian Horner entered the Valhalla Red Bull had always dreamed of from that point on.
commanding the race and the opposition with both of their vehicles leading the field. Max drove expertly, using only the necessary amount of pressure.
However, Sergio was also doing admirably, and Lewis could not possibly go past him as long as he stayed error-free, which he did all but once.
