Max Verstappen Favored for Azerbaijan GP Victory

Max Verstappen has been overwhelmingly declared the favorite to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, according to a recent fan poll. This comes after the Dutchman secured his sixth pole position of the season in challenging, mixed conditions during Saturday's qualifying.

Why it matters:

Despite McLaren largely dominating the current F1 campaign, their drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, are starting further down the grid in seventh and ninth, respectively. This unexpected grid position for the Woking-based team opens up the field, giving Verstappen a clearer path to victory and potentially shifting the championship narrative, even if momentarily.

The Details:

• In a poll conducted by RacingNews365 after qualifying, nearly 70% of fans voted for Max Verstappen to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
• Championship leader Oscar Piastri, despite his mid-pack starting position, surprisingly emerged as the second favorite for victory.
• Carlos Sainz, starting second on the grid, and Liam Lawson, who sensationally qualified third, were also considered strong contenders, with Lawson being voted as the third favorite to win.

The big picture:

Verstappen's pole position in Baku underscores his consistent pace and adaptability, even as his team has faced stiff competition from McLaren this season. The fan verdict highlights the perception of his formidable racecraft and the potential for Red Bull to capitalize on McLaren's current grid disadvantage. A victory here would not only add to his impressive win tally but also reinforce his status as a perennial threat, regardless of the overall championship leader.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the race start and the initial laps to see if Verstappen can convert his pole into a dominant performance. The unpredictable nature of the Baku street circuit, coupled with the varied starting positions of key contenders like Piastri, Sainz, and Lawson, promises an exciting grand prix. Piastri's ability to navigate the field from ninth and Sainz and Lawson's fight from the front row will be crucial in challenging Verstappen's projected victory.