Image Credits-F1 Oversteer
Advertisement
Just minutes before the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, drama is unfolding in the Red Bull garage as engineers work frantically on Max Verstappen’s car. With less than 10 minutes to go, the team appears to be making last-minute setup changes on the reigning world champion’s RB19, raising concerns about the Dutchman’s readiness to compete for pole position.
Verstappen, who had shown promising pace throughout the weekend, now finds himself in a race against time. Red Bull’s mechanics are feverishly adjusting the car’s setup, sparking speculation about potential balance issues or concerns over tire performance. Making significant changes so close to the start of qualifying is risky, especially in a tightly contested field where even the smallest setup miscalculation can be the difference between pole and starting outside the top 10.
Such late adjustments indicate that the team may be grappling with car balance concerns that could compromise Verstappen’s ability to extract the maximum performance on Baku’s unique street circuit. With its mix of high-speed straights and tight corners, car setup is pivotal, and any misstep could prove costly.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the garage, Sergio Perez is enjoying a much smoother weekend. The Mexican driver has been consistently near the top of the timesheets and looks poised to challenge for pole position. Having historically excelled on street circuits, Perez appears to be more comfortable with the RB19’s current setup.
Perez’s improved pace adds a layer of complexity for Red Bull, as they may now be forced to consider team orders during the race if the situation demands. Should Perez qualify ahead of Verstappen, it could create tension within the team. With Perez fighting for his own championship chances, any instructions to yield could reignite intra-team rivalry.
Red Bull’s history with team orders is well-documented, and while the team typically allows both drivers to race, the stakes are higher than ever. With Ferrari and Mercedes also lurking close behind, the possibility of deploying strategic orders could come into play depending on how the grid shapes up.