Marko On Red Bull's Chances in Azerbaijan: 'We've Always Been Competitive In Baku'

Monday, 09 September 2024 at 13:22

Helmut Marko previewed the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend as he assessed Red Bull's chances and outlined where the F1 team needs to improve.

Red Bull Racing comes to the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a streak of six race weekends without a victory and after one of their worst performances of the season at Monza.

However, Baku City Circuit has historically suited the team from Milton Keynes. Max Verstappen won here in 2022, while Sergio Perez won the 2021 and 2023 editions of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Coming to Baku this week, Helmut Marko hopes to see as good of a performance from the Mexican driver as we've seen in the last couple of years.

“"After the traditional races in Zandvoort and Monza, the next race is the Baku Street GP. The track layout is not representative, but Checo Pérez loves this track, he won there in 2023."”

Red Bull's biggest problem during the previous race in Italy was that the car was unbalanced and performed unpredictably from session to session. Consequently, Marko highlighted this would be a key concern for the team.

Sergio Perez celebrates on the top step of the podium, raising the trophy after winning the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.

Sergio Perez after winning the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

“"We have always been competitive in Baku, but this time the decisive factor will be how quickly we get the desired balance back into the car."”

“"If we can manage to do that, then we should be better positioned for the Azerbaijan GP than we were last time."”

Lastly, Marko suggested that Max Verstappen could not show his class with the underperforming car in Italy, but if Red Bull was able to improve its performance, the 81-year-old is confident the Dutchman will deliver.

“"And if Verstappen gets a car that he can fight with halfway, then his class will be better revealed again, which we can continue to build on."”

Following the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen said Red Bull needs to "change everything" about the car before Baku. This weekend will be critical for the 26-year-old's battle in the Drivers' Championship.