Ralf Schumacher Declares Max Verstappen Set for ‘Tricky’ Azerbaijan GP with Red Bull RB21

Ralf Schumacher warned Max Verstappen and Red Bull over the challenging track conditions at the Azerbaijan GP.

Ralf Schumacher Declares Max Verstappen Set for ‘Tricky’ Azerbaijan GP with Red Bull RB21

Max Verstappen with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull), Ralf Schumacher (via IMAGO)

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The Formula 1 paddock heads to Baku for the Azerbaijan GP this weekend. Fans hope to see Max Verstappen carry his momentum to this race after a historic victory at the Italian GP. However, according to Ralf Schumacher, things will not be so easy for the reigning world champion.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull showcased some impressive pace at Monza. The Dutch driver dominated the weekend, be it during Qualifying or on Sunday. This allowed the four-time champion to not only pull off the fastest lap in F1 history but even take the fastest victory in the sport.

However, Baku is a different track than Monza. The street circuit is full of tight sections and narrow spaces. Ralf Schumacher pointed out that teams will struggle to get grip over the bumpy surface of the track. The German driver pointed out that such conditions have been a problem for Max Verstappen and Red Bull recently. Schumacher insisted that Verstappen might be set for yet another tricky weekend as the RB21 is known to struggle at such tracks.

So it’s all not certain yet. Building up grip, over the kerbs, will also be a theme again. Kerbs and bumps, that’s also where Max Verstappen with the Red Bull is going to be a thing again. That will be tricky anyway, also in terms of aerodynamics. That doesn’t make this kind of track any easier for them

Ralf Schumacher said on Backstage Boxengasse podcast

Max Verstappen won’t be the only one struggling at Azerbaijan GP

The Azerbaijan GP is one of the more challenging races on the F1 calendar. The race has often given some unpredictable results, and has established itself as a fan favorite. It is thus no surprise that Max Verstappen won’t be the only one who might have a hard time in Baku this weekend. Rather, even McLaren might face issues according to Schumacher.

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Ralf Schumacher pointed out that the Baku street circuit is quite similar to Monaco when it comes to the track’s tight nature. However, the long straights make it far quicker than the streets of Monte Carlo. Drivers get a better chance of overtaking at this track, but also face the threat of binning it into the wall. Moreover, a key problem Ralf Schumacher pointed out that was a lack of grip. The German insisted that even the two McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris could have a hard time this weekend.

Well, Baku is like Monaco, but damn fast. You can overtake there, although you have to be a bit careful with that. Certain corners, or the distances between the crash barriers on either side, are a bit narrower than normal. That’s especially true in the part of the old town. There is also just very little grip, which has always been a bit of a problem. That also applies to McLaren, by the way.

Ralf Schumacher explained

Certainly, if the top teams face problems this weekend at Azerbaijan, it could create an unexpected outcome in the race. Baku is also infamous for on-track incidents that might further add to the drama. Max Verstappen might be the favorite when it comes to recency bias, as the Dutchman won at Monza, but things will not be easy for the Red Bull star.

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