Ex-Red Bull Boss Praises Max Verstappen's 'Masterclass' Performance in Baku

Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley has lauded Max Verstappen as “extraordinary” for his commanding display at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Wheatley, a former Red Bull Racing insider, was particularly impressed by Verstappen’s masterful performance in a chaotic, red-flag-filled qualifying session, where many seasoned drivers found the wall while Verstappen kept his car out of trouble.

Why it matters:

After a period of McLaren dominance that overshadowed his early-season victories, Verstappen's stellar performance in Baku, coupled with a significant floor upgrade at Monza, signals a potential resurgence. This 'masterclass' not only secured a crucial pole-to-checkers win but also significantly narrowed his championship deficit to Oscar Piastri, reigniting hopes for a fifth world title.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Resurgence: Following an upgraded floor at the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen led the McLaren duo with a considerable gap at Monza. At Baku, he was one of the few drivers to avoid incidents in a challenging qualifying, translating pole position into a dominant victory.
• Championship Impact: With championship leader Oscar Piastri failing to score points in Baku, Verstappen's gap to a fifth world championship has shrunk to 69 points. Despite the large margin, his recent form suggests he's firmly back in contention.
• Wheatley's Perspective: Jonathan Wheatley, who began his motorsport career in the early 1990s with Benetton and spent nearly two decades at Red Bull Racing, has witnessed Verstappen’s entire F1 journey. He joined Red Bull in 2006, rising to team manager and sporting director, and was present for Verstappen’s F1 debut and his immediate win upon joining RBR in 2016.
• "Extraordinary" Performance: Wheatley praised Verstappen's ability to extract the maximum from his car, stating, “He never looked like he was going to hit a wall. He’s just extraordinary; he knows how to get the most out of that car.” He highlighted Verstappen's onboard qualifying footage as evidence of a