The Formula One convoy will reach the inland part of the Caspian Sea this weekend. The Free Practice sessions will kickstart an exhilarating showdown on the Baku city circuit. After a close contest on Italian soil, the Azerbaijan GP will play a crucial role in shaping the World Title dynamic. The complex street circuit could hinder the momentum of some teams.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has highlighted the challenges of teh Baku circuit, which could block the W15’s pace. Moreover, the Silver Arrows need to return to the winning ways. After a disappointing start post-summer break, the team needs a solid comeback.
“McLaren To Be Quick Again,” Andrew Shovlin’s Azerbaijan GP Verdict
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ director of trackside engineering, has outlined the key challenges Mercedes faces ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix while also considering how their competitors might perform on the tricky street circuit. Moreover, the British engineer emphasized the unpredictability of Baku, a circuit that poses unique challenges due to its layout. The tight, slow corners of sector two are combined with a long straight, requiring teams to use a low-wing setup, an unusual choice for a track with such a mix of features. Adding to the unpredictability is the high potential for incidents during the race. Baku’s narrow track and tricky corners often lead to mistakes, increasing the likelihood of safety cars that can drastically alter race outcomes.
Further, Shovlin also noted that the 2024 season has been particularly tough, with multiple teams competing closely for victories. He pointed out that on any given track, at least three or four teams are within just a few tenths of each other, making it hard to predict how qualifying and race pace will unfold. He highlighted McLaren and Ferrari as teams to watch, while Red Bull remains a perennial threat despite their own challenges.
Mercedes ‘Aiming Higher’ In Bid To Return To Winning Ways
The Mercedes engineer also addressed the expectations for Mercedes, emphasizing that the team is “aiming higher” this season. He acknowledged that while Mercedes has demonstrated it can compete for wins, maintaining consistent performance has been challenging. Despite strong showings in a few races, the team has struggled to sustain that pace throughout the season.
Shovlin highlighted that the goal for the final part of the season is to build on the momentum from earlier successes, aiming for more race wins and strong qualifying sessions. All efforts are focused on maximizing performance, hoping to finish weekends on a high note, and securing trophies for the team.