Max Verstappen wants victory on the streets of Baku after dropping out of the race in 2021 because of a flat tire when he was leading and had victory in his sights
The 2022 season started with difficulties for Max Verstappen, but the Dutchman quickly turned things around and is now the current championship leader. Two breaks in the first three races of the year seemed to have put the Red Bull driver far behind Ferrari's rivel Charles Leclerc. However, a string of victories and the Monegasque's retirement at the Spanish GP changed the scenario.
After a third place in the Monaco GP, the reigning champion now heads to Azerbaijan, a place that doesn't bring back good memories for him. Last year, Max was leading the race at the Baku street circuit with ease, until a flat tire caused him to crash hard and abandon the race. Now, the Dutchman returns with a thirst for redemption.
"I'm looking forward to coming back to Baku, we have a score to settle after what happened last year. We were unlucky last year, simple as that. It was pretty painful, but it happens. That's part of racing. Now it's different cars, different tires and we'll try again," Verstappen told Reuters news agency.
Besides 2021, Max also failed to complete the race in 2017 and 2018. His best result in Azerbaijan came in 2019, when he finished fourth. A win on the track would be important to increase his lead in the championship lead and assert his priority in the team after Mexican Sergio Perez won the Monaco GP.
Verstappen leads the championship with 125 points, nine more than Leclerc and 15 ahead of Pérez. Formula One returns this weekend for the Azerbaijan GP, with complete coverage by GRANDE PRÊMIO.