Sept 11 (Askume) – McLaren can move to the top of the Formula One constructors’ rankings this weekend at Azerbaijan’s Baku street circuit as they take on champions and leaders Red Bull more than any team in the past.
The British team, which started the final long-distance stage of the season just eight points behind its rivals, has beaten its rivals by huge margins in the last five races.
Lando Norris trails Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen by 62 points in the drivers’ championship but is yet to reach the podium in Baku, while teammate Oscar Piastri, 106 points behind him, finished 11th last year.
This time things might be different, McLaren’s updated car will look great everywhere.
The big question is whether, given the chance, team orders would be followed to improve Norris’ chances after the missed opportunity at Monza .
“Our goals are clear. I have full confidence in the team and they will continue to work hard and improve. Now with two championships in front of us, we are more determined than ever. I am proud of the team and I look forward to moving forward. I am very excited to see what we can do this weekend,” said the English player.
A former Triple Crown winner, Verstappen has lost six consecutive races and most recently finished sixth in the Italian Grand Prix won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc .
The Dutch driver previously won on the Caspian coast in 2022, but Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez has a better record there and is the only driver to have won twice.
“Monza is a tough race and our priority is to get our form back to where it should be,” said Verstappen, who spent some time in the factory simulator ahead of the first leg of the doubleheader in Singapore.
“The team has been working hard to rectify the problems that have arisen with the car over the last few races.”
At Monza, Verstappen described his car as an unstoppable monster.
While Red Bull have won the last three races in Baku, Leclerc is looking for a fourth consecutive Azerbaijan Grand Prix pole position, with his team only 39 points behind Red Bull with eight rounds remaining.
Ferrari driver and teammate Carlos Sainz could be favourites to win on the difficult circuit, which features fast, slippery roads and tricky, winding turns in the old town.
Team boss Fred Vasseur said: “We are usually very competitive here and it is one of Charles’ favourite races. We were very excited after winning at Monza and we are determined to keep it that way.”
Despite recent difficult races in the Netherlands and Italy, Mercedes has reason to be optimistic as it was the only team other than Red Bull to win in Baku.
“Our goal going into Baku is to perform better than Zandvoort and Monza,” said team principal Toto Wolff.
“We have the opportunity to show what we have learned and made the necessary improvements this weekend in Azerbaijan and next week in Singapore.”
Kevin Magnussen will miss the start and the Haas driver will be handed a one-race ban for accumulating penalty points .
Ferrari replacement Oliver Birman, who will replace the Danish player next season, will join the team for the second time this season. He replaced Sainz at Ferrari in Melbourne, who was suffering from appendicitis.
