The Azerbaijan GP has proven to be one of the most difficult races on the F1 calendar in the past few seasons as no driver has won this race more than once. Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo won the first race held in Baku in 2017 and since then it has been a venue that has been dominated by both Mercedes and the Milton Keynes outfit.
Reigning champion Max Verstappen won the Azerbaijan GP last year and will hope that he can replicate a similar level of performance this season. While the early signs in this season seem to suggest that the Dutchman’s dominance will continue in Baku, former F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi thinks otherwise.
Fittipaldi has backed Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, to win the Azerbaijan GP and close the gap in the championship standings. He believes that the Mexican will have the advantage in Baku because of his ability to perform at his best on street circuits.
Emerson Fittipaldi backs Sergio Perez to deliver in Baku
While speaking to MyBettingSites, Fittipaldi explained how he expects Perez to be more motivated than ever this season because of the realistic chance that he has to clinch his dream world championship title.
He then went on to explain why he believes that the Azerbaijan GP will be the perfect track for the Mexican to get his season back on track. Fittipaldi believes that Perez is likely to have a strong race in Baku as he has mastered the art of ‘driving fast in a street race’.
He then also commented upon the increased difficulties present in a street race by adding, “When driving a street race you have to be fast and precise. And you can’t make any mistakes because the walls and the barriers are there”.
The 2023 season is likely to be a straight fight between Max Verstappen and Perez
The way the 2023 F1 season has begun, it seems that the fight for the world championship this year could be just between the two Red Bull teammates. The Milton Keynes outfit has shown utter dominance so far by not only clinching pole position in all three races that have taken place so far but also winning them all.
Reigning champion Max Verstappen has so far registered two victories (Bahrain, Australia) and one second-place finish (Saudi Arabia). On the other hand, Sergio Perez has registered one win (Saudi Arabia), a second-place finish (Bahrain), and a fifth-place finish (Australia).
When it comes to the world championship points table, Verstappen has so far scored 69 out of a maximum of 78. He currently has a 15-point lead over his teammate Perez and is the favorite to win his third F1 title this season. Now the onus is on Perez to prove his mettle and take the fight to his double-world champion teammate.
