Norris begins Azerbaijan COMEBACK as Red Bulls on the charge

Charles Leclerc produced a fantastic start from pole position maintaining his lead, as Sergio Perez surged to third to hunt down Oscar Piastri

All the runners got away cleanly from the grid with no first lap incidents, as Red Bull looked to assert themselves at the front of the grid, with Perez and championship leader Max Verstappen making up a place on the opening lap.

READ MORE: F1 star disqualified by FIA in Azerbaijan

The Mercedes of George Russell could do little to get out in front of his rivals, and remained in sixth place behind Verstappen

Carlos Sainz also lost out to Red Bull, falling behind Perez who has significantly improved his performances in Azerbaijan.

Can Lando Norris recover in Baku?

Lando Norris, who started towards the back of the grid, managed to make his way up to P12 by the end of the first lap to, remedying a horrific Saturday in Baku.

The McLaren star was knocked out of Q1 in qualifying, after a yellow flag prevented him from completing a lap that would have seen him progress to the next session.

Lewis Hamilton was also delivered a blow to his Azerbaijan GP weekend and had to start the race from the pit lane after making power unit changes.

The champion only managed to make his way up to P17 during the opening lap, in what looks to be a difficult race through the field for Hamilton.

READ MORE: F1 Azerbaijan GP Qualifying Results: Verstappen struggles AGAIN as title rival stunned

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