The Formula 1 circus moves to Baku this weekend for the Azerbaijan GP, where Max Verstappen aims to extend his outstanding form after a record-breaking win at the Italian Grand Prix. However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher cautions that the upcoming street race could present significant difficulties for the reigning world champion and his Red Bull team.
At Monza, Max Verstappen demonstrated exceptional speed, dominating qualifying sessions and the race itself. His performance culminated in setting the fastest lap in F1 history and achieving the swiftest race victory ever recorded, establishing him as the driver to beat. Yet, the conditions in Baku, a unique and challenging street circuit, are very different from the high-speed layout of Monza.
Distinct Obstacles Await on Baku’s Street Circuit
The Baku circuit presents a mixture of tight corners, narrow passages, and a bumpy surface, which complicates tire grip and car handling. Ralf Schumacher emphasized these factors when analyzing the challenges Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team are likely to encounter. The RB21 car has shown vulnerabilities on such demanding tracks recently, particularly when dealing with kerbs and aerodynamic perturbations caused by the uneven road surface.
So it’s all not certain yet. Building up grip, over the kerbs, will also be a theme again. Kerbs and bumps, that’s also where Max Verstappen with the Red Bull is going to be a thing again. That will be tricky anyway, also in terms of aerodynamics. That doesn’t make this kind of track any easier for them
Ralf Schumacher said on Backstage Boxengasse podcast
This insight reflects the complexity of managing car balance throughout the race weekend, especially over the kerbs that disrupt airflow and tire performance. For Verstappen, who has excelled on faster, smoother circuits, Baku’s street track requires a different approach, risking a difficult weekend despite his recent success.
Challenges Will Not Be Limited to Verstappen Alone
The Azerbaijan GP is known for its unpredictable nature, combining the tightness of street racing with unusually long straights, allowing for overtaking opportunities but also increasing the risk of crashes. Schumacher noted that this blending of characteristics makes Baku particularly challenging for all drivers and teams, not just Red Bull and Verstappen.
The track’s resemblance to Monaco in terms of narrowness contrasts with its higher speeds, creating a tricky balance between aggression and caution. Additionally, the notorious lack of grip remains problematic, especially for teams like McLaren, which might also struggle to find optimal performance this weekend.
Well, Baku is like Monaco, but damn fast. You can overtake there, although you have to be a bit careful with that. Certain corners, or the distances between the crash barriers on either side, are a bit narrower than normal. That’s especially true in the part of the old town. There is also just very little grip, which has always been a bit of a problem. That also applies to McLaren, by the way.
Ralf Schumacher explained
Drivers such as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are poised to face the same challenges as Verstappen, requiring precision and adaptability to navigate the tight sections without compromising speed on the straights. This mixture of risk and opportunity could result in an unpredictable race outcome.
Baku’s Historical Significance and Potential Impact on the Championship
Baku has long been a fan favorite due to its thrilling races filled with on-track incidents and surprising results. The track’s demanding nature tests driver skill and team strategy, often reshuffling the usual order among the frontrunners. While Verstappen arrives with momentum from Monza, the aerodynamic and grip difficulties flagged by Schumacher suggest that his dominance is far from guaranteed this weekend.
If key competitors encounter difficulties, it could open the door for unexpected results and shake up the championship standings. The pressure to navigate the circuit’s narrow barriers, combined with Red Bull’s known issues on bumpy tracks, means Verstappen will need to balance caution with aggression more carefully than at recent races.
As the Azerbaijan GP unfolds, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how Verstappen and others manage the complexities of this demanding street circuit and what implications it may hold for the remainder of the championship battle.
