In recent years, Azerbaijan has been the best ground for the “herd of bulls” in Formula 1 – since 2021, the world champion team has been unbeaten on what is probably the most exciting street circuit of the year. In 2022, Max Verstappen drove to victory in an exciting race, and in 2021 and last year, teammate Sergio Perez was unbeatable. The Mexican likes the narrow streets in the Azerbaijani capital – one reason why he stayed with Red Bull Racing. “That was one of the reasons why we continued with him,” said motorsport advisor Helmut Marko. “He is a specialist for such street circuits and I hope that he will find his old strength here.”
Even if Perez implements these requirements, he will not have much to do with victory on Sunday – just like his teammate Verstappen. “If things go well for us, then perhaps a podium is possible,” says Marko modestly. “We finally have to find the balance with the car, which is especially important in Baku, as there are hardly any run-off areas. It should be better than in Monza, but real progress will only be made in Austin.” Time is running out, the lead in the constructors’ championship is only eight points over pursuers McLaren. Things could also get exciting again in the drivers’ championship, as Lando Norris is currently 62 points behind the reigning world champion. Will that affect Verstappen’s mood? “No, because he has seen that people are listening to him now and that the problems are being taken seriously. At the moment, however, the set-up of the car is still a bit of a lottery, especially for Baku and Singapore.”
Marko has McLaren on his radar
On the two street circuits, Marko is therefore very much expecting his biggest rivals. Above all because of what was once Red Bull’s secret recipe. “They have taken on our strength from last year and really have a competitive car on every track and with every type of tire.” The fact that things are not getting closer in the World Championship has to do with the strategy of the traditional British racing team to date. Up until now, the team has not decided on a clear number one, which cost the better-placed Norris important points.
Those times are now over, as team boss Andrea Stella explained. “We will support Lando,” said the Italian. It remains to be seen whether words will be followed by actions – Marko agrees. “I haven’t heard what Oscar Piastri says about this plan yet,” joked the 81-year-old. The current situation at McLaren reminds him very much of the 2009 World Championship. “Back then, we had the fastest car from the middle of the season and yet Jenson Button won the World Championship in the Brawn. We were too prone to making mistakes back then and didn’t have the right strategy. It’s similar at McLaren, otherwise our lead would already be much smaller.”
Aside from the title fight, the weekend could also bring clarity in terms of future planning. After “solid” test days by Liam Lawson during the week, the New Zealander is to be officially presented as a driver in Baku. Marko confirmed this to the Kleine Zeitung weeks ago. “He will definitely be sitting in one of our cars in 2025,” the motorsport consultant said at the time.
