The five challenges of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Bearman, Episode II

After his successful Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia at the wheel of the Ferrari, Oliver Bearman (19 years old) will make his return in a Formula 1, this time at Haas, replace a suspended Kevin Magnussen. If he had managed to score points for his first race in Jeddah at the start of the season, instead of a Carlos Sainz Having just had an appendicitis operation, things will be less easy this weekend for the Azerbaijan GP, ​​the Haas being less efficient than the Ferrari.

Last March, Oliver Bearman had created a surprise and impressed, largely saving the furniture for the Scuderia. Except that this time, the stakes will be totally different since he will be in the F1 that he will drive next year. This will be the opportunity for him to prepare, already, his 2025 season, by taking his marks a little more.

Especially since Ollie Bearman will be lining up next year at Haas alongside an experienced driver and Grand Prix winner: Esteban Ocon. If he manages to score points again in Baku, in a car from the second half of the table, the young Briton will take on a whole new dimension and the expectation around him – already very high – will increase further. Let's not forget that in 2023, he had achieved an incredible double in Formula 2 in the streets of the Azeri capital…

Perez, now or never

Sergio Perez is still in danger. His seat at Red Bull is not guaranteed, especially since there are people at his garage door to replace him. The Mexican would therefore be well advised to find the path to success, or at least to performance. He has not been on the podium since the Chinese Grand Prix (fifth race of the current season), and has not won since… the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last year. Well, well.

In Baku, he is the only driver who has managed to win twice (three times even, if we count the Sprint race in 2023), and it is also the only circuit on which the Mexican has won twice. Of the six Grands Prix he has won in his career, five of them have been on street circuits. If there is a nickname that can be given to Sergio Pérez, it is the expert of street circuits.

This weekend, expectations will be high for him. It won't necessarily be easy for him: the Red Bull he drives is less and less efficient compared to the rest of the field. Nevertheless, he will be able to show off his talent on the streets of Baku to try, already, to finish in front Max Verstappen for the first time since the 2023 Azerbaijan GP.

Finally some instructions from McLaren?

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As the 2024 championship draws to a close, McLaren is like the best team in the paddock. However, its lead in performance is not huge, nor guaranteed over time. For a few races, the Oranges have been catching up with Red Bull in the Constructors' Championship, which they could take the lead of this weekend in Baku. In any case, they have stated their objective of winning this title.

However, to succeed in the Drivers' Championship, it may be necessary to go through team orders. Since the beginning of the season, McLaren has let its drivers fight on the track, which has notably allowed Oscar piastri to finish in front Lando Norris in Monza. A risky strategy because both teammates have the possibility to attack each other and could both be knocked out.

The English team potentially has every interest in trying to establish a hierarchy, why not on a case-by-case basis depending on the races depending on their physiognomies or the starting grids. It remains to be seen whether this will be the case at the Azerbaijan GP this weekend.

Ferrari still ahead in Azerbaijan?

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After their second win of the season in Monaco, Ferrari had failed to capitalize on their performance and results after the break. Worse, the Scuderia had dropped back down in terms of performance and results, including a double retirement in Canada. The stakes in Baku, after their success in Monza ahead of the fans, is not to reproduce this pattern. Especially since in Italy, Ferrari showed speed, an important quality in Azerbaijan with the 2,2km straight, and good management of its tires.

If the Prancing Horse keeps up its momentum, it could even try to fight in the Constructors' Championship. Ferrari is third, 39 points behind Red Bull and 31 behind McLaren. A very interesting battle to follow could be looming at the end of the championship, provided that the Scuderia maintains the level of performance displayed at Monza, and this, starting this weekend in Baku.

Mercedes, where have you been?

We left them in full swing in Belgium before the summer break. Mercedes had then won three of the last four Grand Prix, the only team to achieve such a series with Red Bull this season.

Since Formula 1 returned to Zandvoort, it hasn't been quite the same. The Silver Arrows have failed to capitalise on their mid-season form, being overtaken by McLaren in terms of performance. The results speak for themselves. George Russell has finished his last two Grands Prix in 7th^e place, Lewis Hamilton respectively 8^e and 5^e in the Netherlands and Italy.

For the Azerbaijan GP, ​​the challenge for them is to try to find their form again. Especially since ahead of them, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull are flying away in the Constructors' Championship.

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