Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) explains: This is what matters in Baku

Formula 1’s next challenge is a tough one: the Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place as early as Saturday (due to a public holiday in the country on Sunday). Max Verstappen heads into the Baku weekend with a strong track record – and is looking forward to the challenge.

Verstappen, who finished second in the last race in Spain, said: “Madrid was a good result for us, and the team has worked hard to build on that positive momentum to ensure we can get the most out of the car’s performance in Baku. We’ve made some good progress with the car in recent races and have fond memories of this circuit.” With five wins to their name, Red Bull Racing is the most successful team in Baku (2 by Verstappen, 2 by Pérez and 1 by Ricciardo).

Efficiency and downforce are key in Baku

Verstappen says of the Baku City Circuit: “The track is a mix of long straights, so you need good efficiency, but also enough downforce to get through the tight corners, especially in the second sector. It’s a demanding, technical street circuit, but it’s fun to drive there.” Verstappen knows what he’s talking about: he won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2022 and, most recently, in 2025. Last year, the Dutchman also secured pole position on the 6.003-kilometre-long street circuit.

In Baku, the walls are always close by; the circuit is similarly hybrid in nature to the Madrid circuit two weeks ago. The section following the start takes drivers along long straights and through 90-degree bends, winding its way through the urban canyons of the Azerbaijani capital. Speeds are high here and the walls are always close by. From Turn 7 onwards begins the old town section, which is at least as tricky, where the circuit winds through narrow alleyways past historic walls. At the narrowest section of the Formula 1 circuit, Turn 8 by the castle, the track is just 7.6 metres wide. This is where the odd session has come to an end for drivers in the past. Adding to the challenge: it’s usually windy in Baku, and strong gusts are forecast for the race weekend.

Reason for celebration for Verstappen: his usual team-mate, Isack Hadjar, is back in action. The Frenchman is fit again following his wrist injury and is making his racing comeback in Baku after three Grands Prix in which he was replaced by Liam Lawson. Verstappen: “It’s also great that Isack has recovered from his injury and will be back in the car for this race.”

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