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2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Predictions: Ferrari Failure Incoming?

Christian Wisniewski

Publish Date: June 10, 2022

Ahead of the 2022 Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the field of drivers hit the Baku City Circuit for the opening practice sessions of the race weekend. In what could prove to be an eventful and impactful weekend, experience on the circuit is paramount. With two sessions down, the field has begun to settle in the streets of Baku ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying session. This race could bring a lot of interesting moments ranging from crashes, retirements and even DRS drama. Here are some predictions at what could happen this weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

About the 2022 Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Image Courtesy of F1

The 6km (3.73 mile) street circuit will run through the city, along the Caspian Sea and feature two DRS zones. The 51 lap race will be live on ESPN at 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 12 and on F1TV.

At Least Four Cars Retire From The Race

Image Courtesy of SkySports

Over its four-race history, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has become well known for cars not finishing the race. The first two runnings of the race featured six cars retiring in each instance. Yet while the number of crashes has gone down over the years, this year is totally different. While no circuit changes were made, this is the first race in Baku featuring the new generation of F1 cars. Mistakes could be plentiful on a circuit that features the close following, ninety-degree turns, a windy castle section and fast straights. Come Sunday, chaos will likely reign. It is merely a question of to what degree.

Mercedes Finishes On The Podium

Image Courtesy of PlanetF1

This may seem strange to some given the state of the title fight, but in reality, it is quite plausible. In the past few races, Mercedes’ car has shown signs that it can compete with the best of them. Fans should need no further proof than Lewis Hamilton’s magnificent performance at the Spanish Grand Prix where he went from a first-lap spin-out to a fifth-place finish. In the other car, George Russell serves as a strong challenger. He is the only driver to place in the top five in ever race all year. He is not afraid to scrap either, his Spanish Grand prix result made that clear, With a little chaos and some quick driving, Mercedes will be back on the podium.

Both Red Bulls Podium, Including a Win

Image Courtesy of Red Bull Racing

While this prediction is bland, it almost feels inevitable. As long as the Red Bulls don’t crash, they are both going to make the podium. While Ferrari may be advantaged in the twisty parts, the two long straights on this circuit play right into Red Bulls’ straight-line speed advantage. That became opening practice session when, despite being faster in the opening two sectors, failed to put up a better lap time thanks to the long straight in sector 3. That third sector plays right into their advantage.

Not only do they have the fastest car on the grid, but they do not suffer the same tire wear issues that has plagued the early part of the season for Ferrari. As long as their DRS is working and they can get close, Red Bull will win the war of attrition between the two Constructer’s title favorites.

Ferrari Crumble Under The Pressure

If the prior two predictions have not made it clear, there are bad omens surrounding Ferrari at the moment. There is the tire degradation issue that has cost them dearly, but their strategy calls cost them the race last week. They became the first team to take the top-two positions on the grid in Monaco and fail to convert it to a win since…….Ferrari. They really can not stop kicking themselves, can they? Will Leclerc finish the race?
Most likely. Could Sainz bin it into the wall again? Absolutely. Is the porpoising back, looks like it. There is a saying in sports that goes “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” Lately, that has felt like the Ferrari brand. That won’t change in Baku though.