F1 Race Recap: A Street Fight in Azerbaijan
Blog: The Tibco Blog
As drivers took to the track for the fourth race of the 2018 Formula 1 season, the narrow twists of the Baku City Circuit presented a perfect opportunity for TIBCO partner and reigning world champions Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport to reclaim the top step on the podium.
We’re ready for race day! Where will you be cheering on @LewisHamilton @ValtteriBottas and the @MercedesAMGF1 crew from? #AzerbaijanGP #DrivenByEachOther https://t.co/CgcFBwalC2
— TIBCO Software (@TIBCO) April 29, 2018
As the start drew closer, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas suited up and headed to the grid for their P2 and P3 starting positions.
Suit up! It’s nearly go time, boys! #AzerbaijanGP #DrivenByEachOther pic.twitter.com/Gn46ZRERa3
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) April 29, 2018
At lights out, the fireworks began flying right out of the gate with serious drama on the first lap.
LAP 1/51
Saftey Car deployed as chaos ensues ⚠️
Ocon and Sirotkin OUT
Raikkonen with damage
Alonso suffers two punctures#AzerbaijanGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/kPlobbzLFO— Formula 1 (@F1) April 29, 2018
Both Hamilton and Bottas made a clean escape from the melee and continued on into the tight streets of Baku.
Safety Car is In!! Seb leaves it late before bolting and we’re back racing in Baku!!
Lewis and Valtteri stick in P2 and P3, as the Renaults and Bulls squabble behind! #AzerbaijanGP #DrivenByEachOther
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) April 29, 2018
While Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel desperately held onto P1 with both Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport drivers in his mirrors, the Silver Arrows had other plans. One fastest lap after another, Hamilton steadily chipped away at Vettel’s lead.
He’s going hot! Lewis with ANOTHER fastest lap!!
VET 2s Lewis! #AzerbaijanGP #DrivenByEachOther
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) April 29, 2018
But just when things were looking up for the champ, more trouble arose…
LAP 22/51
Hamilton locks up and misses the first corner!
HAM: “These tyres are done!”
The Mercedes man pits for a set of soft tyres, emerging P3#AzerbaijanGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Glyyv0dyIA
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 29, 2018
A crash between both Red Bull drivers brought out another Safety Car, presenting an opportunity for a pit stop. Bottas slipped in for a fresh set of tires and charged back onto the track in P1, with competition close on his tail.
LAP 43/51
Best seat in the house? This guy ⬇️
Valtteri Bottas has fresh tyres after pitting under Safety Car
But will have Vettel, Hamilton and Raikkonen breathing down his neck#AzerbaijanGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/duMDRfCQLJ
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 29, 2018
With few obstacles between Bottas and the finish line, the Flying Finn looked to be in control of the race with Hamilton slotting into P2. Until a bit of on-track debris led to a heartbreaking development.
NOOOOOOOOO!! Valtteri is slowing! He’s slowing!!! He’s got a right right puncture!#AzerbaijanGP #DrivenByEachOther
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) April 29, 2018
And Valtteri is OUT!! But Lewis now leads this race!!!!!
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) April 29, 2018
With Bottas out, Lewis hammered ahead into P1 and across the line!
YEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!@LewisHamilton WINS in Baku!!!!!!
GET IN THERE!!!!!!#DrivenByEachOther #F1 #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/lWDo10JtSS— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) April 29, 2018
After an incredible effort from both drivers and the tireless work of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport crew, it was time to celebrate the first victory of 2018!
We’ve had to wait… but LIVE from the garage – toasting a blinder of a GP in Baku!#DrivenByEachOther #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/IcSgtGRrjA
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) April 29, 2018
Next up: the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 13!
Learn more about TIBCO’s partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport that provides the team with a data-driven competitive edge.
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