Max Verstappen and McLaren warned over problems in Baku

Ralf Schumacher believes the established order in F1 will be "mixed up" at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, given the nature of the Baku City Circuit.

The six-time grand prix winner highlighted the expected low grip, something he argues will affect the entire pack, including the leading McLarens.

He singled out Max Verstappen and Red Bull over the bumps and kerbs of the street track, in doing so, pointing out a specific issue that has plagued the Milton Keynes-based squad in the past.

The former Jordan, Williams, and Toyota driver compared the circuit on the edge of the Caspian Sea to Monaco on a recent episode of Sky Sports Germany's F1 podcast Backstage Boxengasse.

"Well, Baku is like Monaco, but damn fast, Schumacher said. "You can overtake there, although you have to be a bit careful with that.

"Certain corners, or the distances between the crash barriers on either side, are a bit narrower than normal. That's especially true in the part of the old town."

He added: "There is also just very little grip, which has always been a bit of a problem. That also applies to McLaren, by the way."

Fresh off the back of a third victory of the campaign at Monza, hopes are high at Red Bull that Verstappen can again be in contention in Baku.

However, given the kerbs, Schumacher is not so sure the four-time F1 drivers' champion can take back-to-back victories for the first time in over a year, despite a successful floor upgrade to the RB21 at the Italian Grand Prix - and positive steps taken to set up the car.

"So it's all not certain yet. Building up grip, over the kerbs, will also be a theme again," the 50-year-old said.

"Kerbs and bumps, that's also where Max Verstappen with the Red Bull is going to be a thing again. That will be tricky anyway, also in terms of aerodynamics. That doesn't make this kind of track any easier for them."

Charles Leclerc has secured pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix every year since 2021.

Although the Ferrari driver has thus far failed to convert one into victory, narrowly missing out to Oscar Piastri last season, Schumacher expects the Scuderia to be in with a shout.

"Everything will surely be mixed up, because I think Ferrari will also have a very good chance during the race," the German concluded.