The FIA will introduce a new wrinkle, which is the tweaked Formula 1 Sprint. Unlike before, the Formula 1 Sprint is now a standalone event on race weekends, and it is a great opportunity for everyone to add more points to their tally to this campaign.
The first Formula 1 Sprint this year is at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and it is something to look forward to since it can be the turning point for certain teams, just like last season when Red Bull capitalised on Ferrari’s shortcomings to eventually win the drivers and constructors titles.
Will history repeat itself in favour of Max Verstappen and co.? Or will anyone from the chasing pack mount a title challenge against the rampant Red Bulls?
Here are some of the latest Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023 updates, courtesy of SBOTOP.
Can Mercedes inch closer to Red Bull?
The eight-time constructors’ champions took one win in 2022, and they have yet to win another race so far in 2023. They currently sit third in the constructors’ standings behind Aston Martin.
The Silver Arrows have proven that they can win here in Baku, but Red Bull have had the run of this circuit in recent years, and Lewis Hamilton has openly expressed his frustrations at the W14 for being behind Red Bull in terms of power.
Earlier this season, Lewis Hamilton didn’t like the fact that Mercedes engineers stuck with their zero-pod concept, which was one of the main reasons the team struggled with porpoising last year.
“Like, I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs. And I think it’s really about accountability; it’s about owning up and saying, “Yeah, you know what? We didn’t listen to you; it’s not where it needs to be, and we’ve got to work,'” said Hamilton last month.
As a response, Mercedes principal Toto Wolff has talked up recent developments in the W14 machine as they look to turn the corner after a winless start to the 2023 campaign.
Wolff said that the Silver Arrows are making “small steps forward.” However, he acknowledged that they still have a long way to go before they can consider themselves legitimate title contenders.
“The car will continue to evolve in the coming weeks as we steadily bring performance and upgrades to the track. We’re excited to see their impact, but we know there is no magic bullet,” said Wolff.
Baku brings good times to Aston Martin
Aston Martin have been one of the stories of 2023 so far. Because of Fernando Alonso, many eyes will be on the Silverstone-based outfit to see if they can maintain form following a brief hiatus.
Baku is evoking good memories for Aston Martin, as this was the venue where Lance Stroll became the second-youngest podium finisher in 2017 when he finished third behind Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo.
And it’s also here that a much older Sebastian Vettel achieved a similar feat in 2021, finishing second behind Sergio Perez.
“Given the strong start to the season, I can’t wait to get back out there. Baku is a venue that holds great memories for me – taking my first podium in Formula 1 back in 2017 – and we enter this weekend hoping to continue our early-season form,” said Stroll.
“It’s good to be back after a few weeks away from racing. I have recharged the batteries after a high-adrenaline start to the season, and I am now looking forward to Baku,” added Alonso.
History
In its short history, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has witnessed five different drivers win it, coming from only Red Bull and Mercedes. Daniel Ricciardo won the inaugural edition of this race in 2017 as a Red Bull driver, and Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas followed in 2018 and 2019.
After its postponement in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sergio Perez (2021) and Max Verstappen (2022) took turns winning in Baku.
What are the odds?
Red Bull enter Baku as the in-form team, so the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023 odds like their chances for their drivers to win on Sunday. Max Verstappen should lead the way because he’s priced at 1.50 compared to any other driver (at 2.47), while his teammate Sergio Perez is priced at 1.65.
Lewis Hamilton, who finished second in the Australian Grand Prix earlier this month, is pegged at 1.82 for the final podium spot. However, Fernando Alonso and Mercedes teammate George Russell figure to be his top challengers at 1.90 and 2.00, respectively.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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