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Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin, 2nd position, the Red Bull trophy delegate, Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, 1st position, and Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri, 3rd position, on the podium

The changes behind a 'feel-good' F1 result in Baku

OPINION: The Azerbaijan Grand Prix had elements that make Formula 1 really exciting – unpredictability and shock results. This resulted in heartbreak for several of the championship’s regular contenders and joy for others who rarely reach the ultimate limelight. And one of those on the Baku podium is riding a wave of form he’s keen to continue

Sporting podiums are not always packed with smiling faces.

In some contests, only victory will do – the losers’ medals from football finals often apparently cannot be located years after the event, or so goes the oft-trotted out explanation of many ex-professional pundits. Silver and bronze Olympic medals are mighty achievements to the individual recipients but will not be recorded in history with the same crowning achievement as the golden champion.

Then there’s victory celebrations being used for political point scoring (in many cases even hosting sporting events is intrinsically linked to politics, which is why those who bleat about ‘sport and politics not mixing’ when the point being made doesn’t suit their own agenda must be countered) or tarnished by controversy in the happenings of the contest. Formula 1 has plenty of experience of the last example.

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