This is what you need to know about the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Created: 2022-06-09 05:31

Still has a score to settle with Baku: Max Verstappen.

© Maxim Shemetov/Pool Reuters/AP/dpa

Round eight of their world tour takes Formula 1 to Azerbaijan.

World champion Max Verstappen still has a score to settle with Baku.

Mick Schumacher drives against the doubts after his Monaco crash.

Baku – Formula 1 is followed by the next city race after the rather chaotic Monaco guest appearance.

In Baku, too, the pilots rush through urban canyons, and even the smallest mistake can result in an accident.

Red Bull and Ferrari are likely to be at the top again.

Who will start as the favorite in the eighth round of the season?

Most recently in Monte Carlo, Ferrari seemed to have the slightly faster car, but gave away the possible victory due to strategic mistakes.

The Scuderia are in dire need of a turnaround after Charles Leclerc lost a lot of ground in the title fight with his engine failure in Barcelona and a frustrating fourth place in Monaco.

But Max Verstappen is also thirsting for redemption, as last year in Azerbaijan a puncture stopped him on the way to victory shortly before the finish.

"We still have a score to settle here," said the World Cup leader from Red Bull.

What role does Verstappen colleague Pérez play?

After his Monaco triumph, the Mexican comes to the Caspian Sea with a good boost.

As a reward for his improvement in form, Pérez received a new contract until the end of 2024. In the World Cup he is only six points behind Leclerc and 15 behind Verstappen.

The 32-year-old has "significantly reduced the performance gap to the world champion", praised Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

If things continue like this, Pérez could even make a three-way battle out of the World Cup - and cause headaches for the Red Bull team, which is actually tailored to Verstappen.

Last year, Pérez clinched his first win in the Red Bull in Baku.

How is Mick Schumacher doing after his Monaco crash?

Torn in two, Schumacher's Haas lay in front of Monte Carlo's port.

The violent accident of the 23-year-old recently fueled doubts that the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher has what it takes to be a top performer.

After all: The young star remained without major injuries.

"I'm okay, thanks for the lovely messages," he wrote to his fan base via Instagram.

He has long been fully focused on the next race.

Haas team boss Günther Steiner, however, already warned before leaving for Baku: For the time being, the clammy racing team can no longer afford any more scrap.

dpa