Formula 1: Three key battles to watch out for in Azerbaijan GP 2023

Charles Leclerc secured a third consecutive pole in Baku.

Spring Break is finally over and Formula 1 has returned with the Azerbaijan GP 2023. In the meantime, a new feature has been introduced - Sprint Day. From now on, all the things related to Sprint will take place onSaturday - including determining the grid. This leaves Friday as the day to determine the grid for Sunday at the Azerbaijan GP.

There was quite a buzz about the new format in the paddock. But right after the single practice session, teams gathered up for the qualifying. And we got some gruelling action.

We take a look at the three key battles to watch out for at the Azerbaijan GP 2023:

Charles Leclerc vs Max Verstappen

Hampered by reliability issues, it's for the first time that Ferrari has actually shown its true colours this season. Leclerc and Verstappen were supposed to put on a title showdown last year but the difference between the challengers was too big.

The duo set identical timings before Leclerc's perhaps best qualifying laps tipped him ahead. His clock of 1:40.203 was 0.188s ahead of Verstappen. In the practice session earlier, the gap between the two was only 0.037s with Verstappen ahead. The Red Bull was quicker on the straighter paths whereas Ferrari had the upper hand in the turns - much like last season. Azerbaijan GP 2023 could turn out to be a different ball game.

Also Read:

• What is F1 sprint race? Points, grid lineup and everything else explained
• Formula 1: Updated F1 Azerbaijan GP 2023 timings
• Formula 1: Top three racers favourite to win Azerbaijan GP 2023
• Formula 1: Are any F1 teams bringing upgrades to Azerbaijan GP 2023?
• Why was there a two-week break before the 2023 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
• F1 Azerbaijan GP: Track difficulty, past winners and favourites

Lewis Hamilton vs Fernando Alonso

The two eternal rivals will be starting from the third row on Sunday. Earlier, George Russell lost out the Q3 spot by just 0.004s to Hamilton.

So far this season, Aston Martin has shown better pace than Mercedes. But from now on, it's persistence and consistency that will pay as there are five race weekends in the next six weeks.

Lando Norris vs Oscar Piastri

McLaren didn't have a great start to the season. But it looks like they are getting back on track as both their drivers made it to Q3 again. On Sunday, the team would look for another double points-finish this season.

Piastri vs Norris is a teammate duel many are intrigued about. There are reasons for it. Daniel Ricciardo was easily outdone by the Brit but the Aussie Rookie has what it takes to compete at the top level. His CV says so.

On Sunday, Norris will start P7 while Piastri will start P10 in the Azerbaijan GP 2023.