Max Verstappen Details Red Bull's 'Left and Right' Season Swings After Baku Win

Max Verstappen secured a dominant victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his fourth win of the season and narrowing the championship gap to Oscar Piastri. This win highlights a dramatic turnaround for Red Bull, whose season has seen significant fluctuations, transforming from a rebuilding year into a potential title contention.

Why it matters:

• Red Bull's sudden resurgence, propelled by a new floor introduced in Monza, has reignited Verstappen's championship hopes.
• After a season of highs and lows, including early difficulties and organizational changes, the team's ability to find performance at a crucial moment could reshape the title fight in the remaining seven races.

The Details:

• Verstappen converted pole position into a comfortable win at the Baku City Circuit, his second consecutive victory.
• The win brings him to within 69 points of championship leader Oscar Piastri, who crashed out of the race.
• Just two races ago, Verstappen was over 100 points behind Piastri, illustrating the rapid shift in fortunes.
• RB21 Transformation: Red Bull's new floor, introduced in Monza, is credited with transforming the RB21's performance.
• Back-to-Back Wins: Verstappen's victories in Monza and Baku demonstrate the significant progress made by the team.
• Driver Confidence: Verstappen expressed high confidence in the improved RB21, stating that Baku felt as good as Monza.
• Baku Performance: Despite previous challenges at Baku, Verstappen described this weekend as "a great result," noting the car did "pretty much what I wanted it to do."
• Tire Management: Verstappen highlighted the importance of starting at the front and effectively managing tires in the first stint to go long.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's early season struggles, compounded by internal changes including Christian Horner's departure, initially positioned 2025 as a preparatory year for the 2026 regulations. However, the unexpected performance gains have shifted their focus back to the current championship. This late-season surge introduces an exciting dynamic to what was previously looking like a McLaren-dominated season, making the final races unpredictable.

What's next:

With seven races remaining, Red Bull's momentum, combined with Piastri's recent setback, sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season. If the RB21 continues its strong performance, Verstappen could mount a serious challenge for his fifth consecutive world title, creating an unexpected championship battle in the final stretch of the 2024 F1 season.