Data analysis: Is Red Bull back on top form in Azerbaijan?

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, there were many question marks surrounding Max Verstappen and Red Bull. 

The Italian Grand Prix was poor for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, due to balance problems which remain unsolved.

Red Bull has adjusted its floor for the Baku City Circuit, but further upgrades will not be introduced until the United States Grand Prix. However, optimism is possible for Red Bull in Baku, following a positive opening day.

Verstappen topped a disrupted first practice, before Sergio Perez went second-quickest later in the afternoon. Second practice was not as strong for Verstappen who had to settle for sixth, after complaints of understeer.

Perez, on the other hand, was just 0.006s adrift of Charles Leclerc who set the quickest time. Leclerc topping second practice, though, does not paint the true picture. 

The Ferrari driver performed his soft tyre run significantly later than Red Bull, when the circuit was more evolved. 

More is still to come from Red Bull's engine as well, proven by Verstappen being six tenths slower than Leclerc along the 2.2 kilometre main straight.

However, Red Bull appear to be running with more downforce than its closest rivals. Verstappen picked up a lot of time in the tight second sector, where downforce and traction are very important. 

In hindsight, this approach by Red Bull should improve Verstappen's tyre wear, something he has suffered from in recent races.

View the qualifying runs of Leclerc and Verstappen below. The text continues after that.

Long run pace

There are some more question marks about Verstappen's long runs. The Dutchman started hesitantly on mediums, but later managed to improve. 

However, his times were nowhere near the McLarens in terms of consistency, in particular Oscar Piastri, who recorded quite a few lap times in the 1:48 range. Verstappen's fastest time was a one-off 1:48.7.

So why can Red Bull still be optimistic about the race? Because Perez looked very good. The Mexican is the so-called 'King of Baku' and is the only driver to have won the race twice. 

Perez was impressive across one-lap and in race trim, which will likely ease Red Bull's concerns based on what Verstappen managed.

The conclusion? Red Bull are competitive in Baku and cannot be counted out for pole position or victory on Sunday. With Lando Norris having endured a difficult opening day, a chance for Red Bull to ease some of the pressure being applied in both championships is on.