Perez victorious in Sprint race, Leclerc second

Sergio Perez won the Sprint race around the Baku Street Circuit. Charles Leclerc was unable to maintain his leading position and finished second, with Max Verstappen third.

Esteban Ocon started from the pit lane and Logan Sargeant didn't start at all - the American driver was withdrawn from the Sprint race by Williams following the heavy damage he suffered in the shootout.

The 17-lap race began with Charles Leclerc having a clean start and keeping his position, with Perez behind him. Max Verstappen and George Russell both had a complicated battle throughout the first corners but it was the British driver who came victorious after making slight contact with the Red Bull multiple times. It was later revealed that the Dutch driver had suffered floor damage.

The Virtual Safety Car was out in all sectors by lap 2 due to a loose tire on the track, as well as debris, which appeared to be coming from Yuki Tsunoda's car. The Japanese driver sustained heavy damage after making contact with the wall. He was given new tires and a new front wing, but after driving a lap around the circuit, the team decided to retire him.

It didn't end there, however, as the full Safety Car was out later - there was too much debris on the track that needed to be cleared. The race resumed on lap 5 with Leclerc at the lead, chased by Perez. Behind, Verstappen was able to go past Russell on turn 1, and then Sainz began challenging the Mercedes.

The lead change came on lap 8 when Perez, with DRS, managed to overtake Leclerc through turn 1 after the straight. However the Ferrari didn't easily give up and started the revenge battle, but it wasn't easy - Verstappen was behind him.

It didn't change; Verstappen wasn't able to catch Leclerc, and the race finished with Perez in the lead. Russell, Sainz, Alonso, Hamilton, Stroll, Albon, and Piastri completed the top 10 of the race.