Formula 1: Top three racers favourite to win Azerbaijan GP 2023

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing leads the drivers' standings.

The Azerbaijan GP is a relatively new addition to the Formula 1 calendar, having only been introduced in 2016. The race takes place on the streets of Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, and is known for its high speeds, tight corners, and dramatic backdrops along with the Sprint race concept as well which was introduced in 2021.

The Baku Street Circuit is expected to be even more fun with new rules and regulations introduced in the Sprint Shootout Race concept as now the qualifying scenario will be different than the usual concept of Sprint race determining the main race grid line.

Basically, the fans will get to witness two-of-a-kind races this weekend where the Saturday Sprint race will not have any impact on the start of the main race on Sunday.

Moreover, with a small rich history of this special street circuit, and with the recent forms of different teams, the following drivers are the favourites to win the Azerbaijan GP 2023: 

3. Fernando Alonso

The two-time world champion, winning his titles back in 2005 and 2006 is one of the most accomplished legends of the sport. Despite a two-year absence from Formula 1, the Spaniard has shown that he is still capable of delivering strong performances with an amazing comeback in 2021 with two podium finishes with Alpine. Moreover, Fernando Alonso started 2023 with a banger as the Aston Martin saw three consecutive podium finishes from the Spaniard in all three races.

Looking at his current form and the experience he carries in his driving, Azerbaijan as a new circuit will be a fun race with his reputation for being a strong street circuit driver, added his racecraft could be an advantage on the tight, technical Azerbaijan GP track.

Overall, with new regulations at the Baku street circuit, the Azerbaijan GP 2023 will be a treat to watch for all the fans and with these drivers in sublime form, a great competitive show can be expected for the podium as the Mercedes and Ferrari still look for their domination in the 2023 season.

2. Sergio Perez

Perez is an experienced driver who has shown that he is capable of delivering strong performances on a wide variety of circuits. He has won multiple races in his career and has a reputation for being an excellent tire manager, and has been a very big asset for Red Bull Racing since 2021 giving them the best of the results even after not being their primary priority as a driver.

The 2023 season witnessed an amazing start from the veteran as he achieved podiums in the Bahrain GP and the Saudi Arabian GP, winning the latter. In the third race of the season, the Australian GP saw the best potential of Sergio as he managed to be in the top five even after starting at the back of the grid, which shows he is in great form for the next races to come.

In terms of the Azerbaijan GP specifically, Perez has had some success in the past. He finished in first place and second place in 2021 and 2022, showing that he is capable of performing well on the tight, technical street circuit in Baku, giving Red Bull the important points and support they needed.

1. Max Verstappen

Verstappen is a highly talented driver who has established himself as a top contender in recent years. Being the world champion for the past two years, he has won multiple races and has consistently dominated the podium with Red Bull Racing.

Known for his aggressive driving style, which has sometimes led to controversial incidents on track, he has shown that he is capable of delivering controlled, strategic performances when necessary, especially during any wet race.  

In terms of the Azerbaijan GP, he was the champion for the 2022 Grand Prix and for this season, he is highly likely to be the top contender for the podium as he has the full support of the car and looking at the current form where all the three races have seen three podium finishes from his end, two of them being the Number 1 finishes.