A high-stakes Formula One race weekend nearly ended in disaster for pit lane photographers
In short: The 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix introduced a new sprint format, but the real drama unfolded during the final lap. As Esteban Ocon entered the pits, he narrowly avoided a crowd of photographers who had already flooded the lane, prompting an immediate investigation into safety protocols for future podium celebrations.
The 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, staged in Baku on April 30, marked the fourth round of the Formula One World Championship. This event served as the debut for a revised weekend structure, featuring a dedicated sprint shootout qualifying session on Saturday to determine the grid for a shorter sprint race, alongside the traditional Grand Prix on Sunday.
Charles Leclerc dominated qualifying, securing pole position for both the sprint and the main race with a record-breaking lap time of 1:40.203. Despite his strong start, Sergio Pérez proved superior in race conditions, winning both the sprint and the main event. This victory remains the most recent Formula One win for Pérez as of 2026. Max Verstappen, who led the championship standings entering the weekend with 69 points, finished third in the main race behind Leclerc.
The weekend was marred by logistical and safety concerns. During the sprint, Yuki Tsunoda retired after losing a tyre, while Logan Sargeant was forced to withdraw from the event following a crash during the sprint shootout. The most significant safety breach occurred on the final lap of the main race, when FIA-appointed personnel permitted photographers to enter the pit lane while cars were still active. Esteban Ocon, coming in for a late pit stop, was forced to dodge the crowd. The incident triggered a formal investigation, leading to recommended changes in how teams manage parc fermé procedures to ensure such dangerous oversights do not recur.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
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