Sun Sep 15 09:46:00 UTC 2024: ## Perez Reigns Supreme in Baku as F1 Returns to Azerbaijan
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to return to the streets of Baku this September, marking the first time the race will take place in the fall. While history remembers Baku as a city founded by Alexander the Great, it’s the modern day racing history that truly holds the spotlight.
Sergio Perez, the reigning king of Baku, stands as the only driver to have won the race twice. He claimed victory in 2021 and 2023, the latter also seeing him dominate the Sprint race. Perez, known for his street circuit prowess, has secured six of his seven F1 wins on such tracks.
However, Charles Leclerc, while yet to secure victory in Baku, is the undisputed “prince of poles.” The Monegasque driver has secured the number one grid spot for the past three years (2021-2023), including setting the fastest time in last year’s Sprint Shootout.
The rivalry extends beyond the drivers. While Red Bull boasts four wins in Baku, they haven’t managed a single pole position. Ferrari, on the other hand, has secured four pole positions but remains winless in Azerbaijan, only achieving four podium finishes.
As the final third of the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Baku, where history is waiting to be rewritten. Will Perez continue his dominance, or will Leclerc finally claim the coveted Baku victory? The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the F1 saga.
First Piper 