Max Verstappen has reacted to Mercedes’ recent comments about the challenges posed by the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. As Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ director of trackside engineering, highlighted the circuit’s unique demands, Verstappen remained unfazed by the concerns expressed by his rivals.
In an interview ahead of the race, Verstappen addressed the complexities of the Baku circuit, which features a mix of tight, slow corners and a long, high-speed straight. Mercedes pointed to these factors as reasons for potential unpredictability during the race weekend, but Verstappen was quick to dismiss any notion of extra difficulty.
“Every track has its challenges,” Verstappen commented. “Baku is no different, but as drivers, we adapt to these things. We’ve raced there before, and I know what to expect. It’s not unusual to face tough conditions in Formula 1.”
Verstappen, who currently leads the championship, appeared confident that Red Bull’s consistent performance would carry through to Baku despite the unique layout. “Our car has been strong all season, and I trust our team to make the right setup adjustments. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he added.
With Mercedes openly concerned about the competition, particularly from teams like McLaren and Ferrari, Verstappen remained focused on maintaining his lead, adding that “It’s going to be an exciting race, but I’m not too worried about what others think.”
As Baku has historically provided dramatic moments, fans will be eager to see how the drivers, including Verstappen, navigate the unpredictable circuit.