Verstappen hoping to take Monza positive form into Baku

Verstappen and Red Bull Racing managed to find a breakthrough with the setup of the RB21 at Formula 1's weekend in Italy, which meant the Dutchman posted a record-breaking pole lap and went on to win the fastest race in the sport's history around the temple of speed.

Many are expecting that the Baku street circuit should be a place where Verstappen and his RB21 can perform well and take the fight to McLaren and Ferrari, who are also expected to be strong, which will be the litmus test of whether Red Bull Racing have unlocked some genuine form from their car following the race at Monza.

Speaking in Red Bull Racing's Azerbaijan Grand Prix preview, Verstappen was still relishing his latest victory at Monza; he said: "Monza was an incredible race for us, and we made a good step forward with where we want to be with the setup of the car.

"The win has been a huge boost for everyone, and I have been back at the factory this week to celebrate with the Team, which has been great, and have been on the sim to prepare for the next race.

"We are now back to the flyaways in Baku, and it is always a bit more of a challenge on the street circuit," the four-time F1 Champion went on. "The combination of low-speed corners and the long main straight means you have to find a compromise in the setup, and it is about getting the right rear wing level as well.

"Hopefully we can take this positive form into this week and make sure we perform well in Qualifying too," he concluded.

Verstappen is currently third in the 2025 F1 Drivers' Championship, 94 points behind leader Oscar Piastri.