Now that Formula 1 qualifying in Baku is over, our reporters Patrick Moeke and Joost Nederpelt can make a prediction for Sunday’s race. What do these experts think? And what do you think? Shine your light on our reaction platform NUjij.
patrick: “Despite his third place on the grid, I expect a victory for Verstappen on Sunday. With the exception of Monaco, the Dutchman has always been faster than Pérez in the race this year. And since overtaking is easy to do in Azerbaijan, I expect his Mexican teammate without all too many problems will pass.”
“As far as race speed is concerned, we were able to conclude after Friday practice that Red Bull is stronger than Ferrari. Add to this the high top speed of Red Bull and Verstappen should also be able to outsmart Leclerc on the long straight tomorrow.”
Joost: “Verstappen is still my favorite for the race, but his chances have dropped slightly on Friday and Saturday. For two reasons: thanks to a thinner rear wing, the Ferrari is no longer extremely slow on the straights, and is even faster than the Red Bull at the start of the straights. So Leclerc can really defend himself.”
“And this is another circuit where Verstappen seems to be playing around with the car. It is about small margins, but his teammate Pérez has managed that just a little better. If Verstappen has a good start on Sunday and no setback, he will win the race But something just doesn’t have to go well and Leclerc and Pérez will fight it out together.”
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