Azerbaijan GP might be the last chance for Max Verstappen and Red Bull to salvage 2024 title

The Azerbaijan GP will be the biggest test for Max Verstappen and Red Bull's title hopes for the remainder of 2024.

Azerbaijan GP might be the last chance for Max Verstappen and Red Bull to salvage 2024 title

Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen is facing stiff competition for the 2024 world title. The reigning world champion was the favorite at the start of the season. However, McLaren’s rise put brakes on Red Bull’s title prospects. Things could get even tougher in Baku this weekend.

Previously, Max Verstappen and Red Bull had capitalized on McLaren’s call to let Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri race one another. This had allowed the Dutch driver to gain some points due to the infighting between the two McLarens. However, the Woking-based squad will now put its full focus on Norris’ campaign.

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Heading into the Azerbaijan GP, Red Bull leads McLaren by just eight points in the teams’ standings. Although, Verstappen does enjoy a substantial lead of 62 points, Baku could be the make or break weekend for the reigning world champions.

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Red Bull’s Azerbaijan GP upgrades to set the tone for last 8 races

Milton Keynes has publicly admitted that the RB20 is facing severe balance issues. To counter these problems, Red Bull is reportedly bringing a major floor update this weekend. The Austrian team needs this package to work straightaway if it wants to win the title.

Helmut Marko with Max Verstappen
Helmut Marko with Max Verstappen (Image Via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has outdrove the RB20 for the majority of the season. However, even the three-time world champion can’t keep pushing without a competitive package. With Lando Norris and McLaren continuing to improve, Verstappen needs a race-winning car in Baku.

With 8 races to go, McLaren will be pushing itself to the limit in order to secure its first championship since 2008. As such, Max Verstappen and Red Bull must give in everything to get a positive result in Baku, this would even boost the morale of the team. However, it remains to be seen how things pan out this weekend.

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