Red Bull’s Return to Form: Can It Continue After Baku?

Sports

Max Verstappen’s commanding victory in Baku put Red Bull back in the spotlight but the big question is whether their strong form on the streets of Azerbaijan can carry over to the next phase of the season.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix gave Red Bull exactly what they needed: a reminder of the speed and control that defined their dominance in past seasons. Verstappen led from start to finish, managing the race with ease and leaving rivals to fight for the scraps behind him.

Baku suited Red Bull perfectly. The long straights and low downforce setup played into their strengths, allowing Verstappen to showcase both pace and consistency. For a team that had looked unsettled earlier in the year, the result was a major confidence boost.

Verstappen ran a combination of a skinny rear wing and a generous front wing in Monza and Baku

But the road ahead is far from simple. Formula 1’s upcoming tracks present a very different challenge, with higher downforce demands, tighter corners, and greater emphasis on tire management. Red Bull’s engineers have worked hard to fix the weaknesses that cost them points earlier in the campaign, but whether those improvements hold up outside of Baku remains to be seen.

The balance on Red Bull's car may also have been helped by the introduction of a new floor at Monza

Their rivals are circling. Mercedes’ George Russell secured a solid podium, showing signs of progress, while Ferrari and McLaren continue to bring upgrades that could tilt the balance in their favor. If Red Bull stumble on the upcoming circuits, the championship fight could tighten quickly.

For Verstappen, the goal is straightforward: keep the momentum going. Another strong weekend could confirm that Baku wasn’t a one off but the start of a proper fightback. If not, Red Bull’s “return to form” may prove short-lived.