HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2023 FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING SESSION AFTER THE PRESS CONFERENCE

The Friday press conference after the qualifying session took place on April 28th. The top three drivers in the qualifying round shared their impressions about the session.

The pole sitter, Charles Leclerc, from Ferrari and the two drivers from Red Bull, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez who placed second and third respectively took part in the conference.

"Being in pole position shows that we are in the right direction since the Australian Grand Prix. It works well for me here in Baku. There's been also years where it worked less well in Qualifying also. But yeah, I don't know. I love street tracks in general, not only here, but Singapore, Monaco," mentioned Charles Leclerc.

Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen, who secured second place in the qualifying session stated he was still happy to be second: “Of course we all know that the points are on Sunday, so I don't mind if it's a little bit slower on Saturday and quick on Sunday”. Verstappen also acknowledged that Charles Leclerc's pole position was not unexpected, as it was well-known that the Ferrari driver has been really good around the Baku track.

Despite the three-week break since the last Grand Prix, Sergio Perez expressed feeling prepared and confident for the upcoming race: “I think I'm getting back my confidence. It really knocked my confidence quite a bit, if I'm honest, what happened in Melbourne, especially with, you know, we had a three-week break and then you go straight into Qualifying pretty much. And it's all about braking here, having that confidence on the barking and I think I'm getting there.”

Of particular significance is that Sergio Perez holds the record for the most podium finishes in the history of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with an impressive three podiums to his name.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is in full swing, and all eyes are on Saturday, April 29th when speed lovers eagerly await the classification of the Sprint race, followed by an adrenaline-pumping race. After the race, fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience with an energetic performance by the Dutch DJ Hardwell.

The main race of the race weekend - Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place on April 30 at 15:00.