Formula 1: Max Verstappen seeks redemption at Azerbaijan Grand Prix
- Baka has a reputation for serving up the unexpected, with cars hurtling down the Neftchilar Avenue before snaking through Baku’s framed medieval city walls
- ‘It’s crucial we can have a trouble-free weekend,’ said Alpha Romeo’s Bottas, ‘We know we can fight towards the front when we do it’
There will be unfinished business to take care of this weekend for Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen, with the return of Azerbaijan GP for round eight of the 22-race season.
This time last year the Dutchman was heading for victory on the Baku street track when a tyre exploded and pitched him into the barrier on the high speed run along the city’s Caspian Sea waterfront.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Baku, we have some unfinished business there after last year,” the 24-year-old told Reuters.
“Last year was unlucky, simple as that,” he said. “It was a very painful one, but that happens. That’s racing … it’s different cars, different tyres (this time) and we go again.”
Baka has a reputation for serving up the unexpected, with cars hurtling down the Neftchilar Avenue, the longest straight on the calendar, before snaking through the old town framed by Baku’s medieval city walls.
Its unpredictable nature is reflected by the results. There has been a different driver winning each edition since Nico Rosberg won the first Grand Prix held there in 2016.
“Baku is a place with both good and bad memories for me, so I definitely hope to add some more of the pleasant kind this weekend,” said Alpha Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas.