This weekend marks the return of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a two-week break in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite his dominance in recent years, Max Verstappen enters the race with only a single victory at Baku in his career, raising questions about his ability to win there again. Former race winner and experienced competitor Ralf Schumacher expressed doubts about Verstappen’s chances at this particular track, suggesting the Red Bull driver may struggle to secure a second triumph.
Ralf Schumacher Points to Verstappen’s Team Dynamics in Baku
Speaking to Formel1.de, Ralf Schumacher highlighted the challenges Verstappen faces at the Baku City Circuit, emphasizing that his teammate Sergio Perez often performs better on this track. Schumacher remarked,
“Azerbaijan, I’m sorry to say, has never really been [Verstappen’s] circuit. Sergio Perez was often stronger than him there. I think it’ll be a difficult weekend for him.”
This insight implies that Verstappen’s usual dominance might be limited by factors including the track’s unique demands and team competition.
While skeptical of Verstappen’s ability to follow up his recent win at Monza with another victory, Schumacher expressed confidence in the leadership of Red Bull’s new team principal Laurence Mekies. Describing Mekies as,
“a great talent, especially when it comes to bringing people together… He doesn’t think he’s that important – he just wants things to work,”
Schumacher suggested that strong team management might ease the challenges for Verstappen and his teammates.
Verstappen’s Performance Through the 2025 Season
Max Verstappen currently holds 230 points this season, sitting third in the World Championship standings. Throughout 2025, he has secured four wins, including three Grand Prix victories in Japan, Imola, and Monza, as well as a sprint race win at the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite his strong showing, Verstappen trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by nearly 100 points, making the title an unlikely outcome.
After finishing fifth at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, Verstappen himself downplayed championship hopes, stating,
“We have nothing to lose, nothing to gain – we are not in the fight for the championships, so we tried to just… see every race as a one-off and try to maximise everything.”
This mindset reflects a strategic focus on extracting the best possible results regardless of overall title prospects.
Context and Implications Ahead of the Baku Race
Given Verstappen’s history, team competition, and current standing, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix presents a challenging scenario for the Dutch driver. With Sergio Perez demonstrating stronger performances at Baku and Verstappen acknowledging a cautious approach for the rest of the season, expectations are tempered. Though Verstappen remains a formidable competitor able to pressure teams like McLaren and drivers including George Russell, his ability to add another Baku victory is uncertain.
This race will serve as an important indicator of how Red Bull, under Mekies’ leadership, can navigate the complexities of team dynamics and circuit-specific challenges. Verstappen’s performance in Baku could influence his momentum and strategy for the remainder of the year, shaping his approach to races where outright championship contention is no longer the primary focus.
