The battle with Aston Martin
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix could prove to be an important opportunity for Racing Bulls as they chase Aston Martin in the Constructors’ Championship. Ahead of the weekend on the streets of Baku, the Faenza-based team sits in seventh place, just a single point behind the British squad. At the last round in Monza, Aston Martin left without a single top-ten finish after Fernando Alonso was forced to retire and Lance Stroll could only manage 18th place.
The ‘debut’ of the two drivers
Monza initially looked as though it would also end with zero points for Racing Bulls, with Isack Hadjar starting from the pit lane. However, the French-Algerian rookie produced an impressive comeback drive to claim tenth place, underlining his excellent form. He had already scored his first Formula 1 podium before Monza, and reflected positively on his recent momentum: “The last two race weekends of the European season definitely exceeded our expectations,” Isack Hadjar explained. “We achieved some very strong results, and I think we are carrying good momentum as we head into the overseas rounds. Looking at Baku this weekend, I think the track is very different from those we have faced so far, so it will be important to reset and prepare to fight on a circuit where I have never raced with a Formula 1 car.”
By contrast, Liam Lawson has experienced a tougher period, with points in only four races so far, and he faces another challenge this weekend. Like his teammate, the New Zealander has never raced in Baku with a Formula 1 car. However, he is looking forward to the experience: “Baku is a very unique circuit, with lots of 90-degree corners, which means the car is always close to the walls throughout the race. I’ve never driven here in Formula 1, but I did in Formula 2 and I really enjoyed it. Despite a difficult weekend in Monza, the team has been building great momentum recently and the car has been quick, so I’m really looking forward to making my F1 debut at this track.”
Leave a Reply