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F1 returns to the streets of Baku after a one-year absence from the sport due to COVID-19. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads the way, as Mercedes attempt to respond this weekend.
The 6.003 km is filled with a mixture of wide and open corners as well as some tight and twisty bends to keep the drivers close to the limit. The main straight along the Baku shoreline will provide the field with an opportunity to run three abreast into turn one which will for sure bring a lot of excitement to the fans.
Similarly to Monaco, any slightest mistake will punish the drivers quickly and severely. Set-up wise, the teams are forced to choose between two different downforce packages to enhance either their cornering or straight-line speed as the circuit offers a variety of challenges.
The first Grand Prix in Baku was held in 2016, as the European Grand Prix. That was followed by the inaugural Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2017, as Daniel Ricciardo won ahead of Valtteri Bottas who pipped the Williams of Lance Stroll. Title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel engaged in some argy-bargy behind the Safety Car as both cars were forced to pit, ruining their respective races.
Baku is the newest street circuit on the Formula 1 calendar, joining the ranks of Monaco, Melbourne and Singapore.
Last time out in Monaco, Max Verstappen claimed a dominant victory as Charles Leclerc failed to start the race, giving the Dutchman a clear road ahead.
Carlos Sainz claimed his first podium since moving to Ferrari ahead of his ex-McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Lewis Hamilton had a horrific weekend as he finished seventh, while also losing the lead of the Drivers’ Championship to Verstappen.
Top Ten Prediction
1. Max Verstappen
Not only were Red Bull impressive last time out but their sheer race pace compared to both Mercedes and Ferrari was something to be noted. The track should suit their car but we could witness some on-track battling with Hamilton as the Mercedes is superior in a straight line.
2. Lewis Hamilton
It’s safe to say that the Brit would have been scathing last time out as he questioned the team on multiple occasions as well as being upset with the balance. We will see a reaction from the seven-time champion but will it be enough to regain his championship lead? Only time will tell.
3. Valtteri Bottas
Despite not finishing the Monaco Grand Prix, it was a positive display from Bottas as he was able to extract the best out of the car compared to his teammate. It is a step in the right direction, and with Mercedes’ history at Baku, he could enjoy another strong weekend.
4. Lando Norris
After an impressive weekend around the streets of Monte Carlo, Norris was able to display the excellent balance the McLaren car has this year at both low and high downforce circuits. This could be a prime opportunity for the young Brit to stand on the podium yet again by the end of the race.
5. Sergio Perez
Perez has slowly been getting to grips with his Red Bull, although it has been qualifying that has let the Mexican down with the field spread significantly reduced in 2021. With fond memories of the circuit, he has the potential to be on the podium but qualifying will be crucial for his race and Verstappen’s.
6. Charles Leclerc
Leclerc has always thrived at Baku, where the walls are close just like his home Grand Prix. Although he has never finished a Monaco GP, he has all of the attributes to do well this weekend. His Ferrari car could hold him back, it could be a reality check given the straights that could make this a horrid weekend for the Monegasque.
7. Carlos Sainz
It could be a similar story for the second Ferrari of Sainz as the duo are unable to take advantage of their high downforce package compared to two weeks ago. The pair will be sitting ducks on the straight but could salvage some points despite a tricky weekend.
8. Pierre Gasly
Gasly held his own throughout the Monaco Grand Prix as he had seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton behind for the entire race. While the Alpha Tauri was outpaced by Aston Martin, they should be able to beat their rivals this weekend.
9. Esteban Ocon
After a disappointing weekend for Alpine, it looks like they could be within the points this weekend with Ocon. The team were unsure why the balance was so bad at Monaco but returning to a ‘normal’ circuit should benefit the French outfit.
10. Sebastian Vettel
Vettel had his best drive of the year so far as he finished fifth for Aston Martin. In recent weeks, the German has looked back to his best. Having previously won around Baku, it could be another points return for the four-time world champion.
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