Max Verstappen continued his resurgence in the Formula 1 title fight with a commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, underlining the progress Red Bull has made with the RB21.
Verstappen led from lights to flag in Baku, securing pole position, fastest lap, and victory in a flawless display.
The triumph followed up his success at the previous race, marking back-to-back wins that bring him closer in the standings despite a sizeable points deficit to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
It was Verstappen’s first visit to the top step of the podium in Baku, adding a new circuit in which he been victorious, in what was his 67th F1 win.
Reflecting on the significance of the result, Verstappen highlighted how special it was to deliver at circuits that have traditionally been less favorable.
“I guess together with Monza. Yep. Monza has never really been a particularly strong track for us, so to do that, that was already a big plus,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“And I guess all in all for me here in Baku, it’s been alright, but never amazing — apart from maybe ’21, ’22, I guess.
“But the rest has always been a bit difficult. So, yeah, to have a weekend like this, it was very important.”
Verstappen hopeful of continuing Red Bull performance in Singapore
The race itself unfolded with little drama after an early Safety Car caused by Piastri’s opening-lap mistake.
Red Bull’s strategic gamble to start on Hard tyres paid off as Verstappen built a comfortable gap and managed both compounds effectively across the distance.
Discussing the physical demands of racing on such tight, high-speed circuits, Verstappen noted how car balance makes a significant difference.
“Depends on a lot of things. If the car is shocking to drive, yes, it’s really hard to keep it in a straight line. But if the car is nice to drive, then it’s more about just the physicality of it.
“But at the same time, if everything’s going well, then you can relax a bit more, and then naturally it’s less physical as well.
“So, I don’t know. Let’s wait and see. I mean, it’s for sure always hot and you’re sweating a lot, so you have to prepare for that.
“But I guess we’ve all done that — heat training and stuff — preparing for these kinds of races.”
Despite never winning at certain venues, Verstappen insists the challenge of pushing in tough conditions is one he relishes.
“Basically, just getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. I don’t mind it. It’s a cool track.
“Of course, I’ve never won there, but it’s a cool feeling to drive there, and I hope this year we’ll be a bit more competitive.”
Verstappen’s consecutive wins demonstrate that the RB21 has taken a significant step forward, giving Red Bull renewed confidence in the title fight.
With McLaren faltering in Baku, momentum appears to be swinging back towards Verstappen and Red Bull as the season enters a decisive phase.
READ MORE – Max Verstappen thankful for drama-free F1 Azerbaijan GP after ‘incredible’ victory
Discussion about this post