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 (@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.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/990551687361331201
At lights out, the fireworks began flying right out of the gate with serious drama on the first lap.
https://twitter.com/F1/status/990565916655210496
Both Hamilton and Bottas made a clean escape from the melee and continued on into the tight streets of Baku.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/990568639534370816
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.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/990571308172959744
But just when things were looking up for the champ, more trouble arose…
https://twitter.com/F1/status/990576132486381570
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.
https://twitter.com/F1/status/990585902450860032
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.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/990589749638332416
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/990590040530092033
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 PETRONAS F1 Team (@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!
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/990618514330456064
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.
