The Mercedes team is eyeing a podium comeback at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a disappointing run of races. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin believes flawless execution will be key to success on the Baku street circuit.
“For a team like ourselves, that’s always the objective,” Shovlin explained in the team’s race debrief. “But we have to be mindful that McLaren has been strong the whole year in almost all conditions. And also recently, Verstappen has been quite strong as well.”
The team hasn’t stood on the podium since the Hungary Grand Prix.
At the recent Monza race, Mercedes struggled to keep pace with Max Verstappen at the front of the field.
“It’s going to be tough. It’s going to be difficult,” Shovlin admitted.
He emphasized that maximizing qualifying performance and error-free race operations would be crucial if Mercedes hopes to fight for a top-three finish in Baku.
## Can Mercedes repeat last year’s Baku success?
Shovlin believes the W16 car might be well-suited to the unique demands of the Azerbaijan street track.
Last year’s race saw George Russell clinch a podium spot in Baku, giving the team reason for optimism heading into this weekend.
“Last year, it was a good showing from us with George on the podium,” Shovlin noted. “Like I said, the competition is very tough at the moment with all the teams. So it could be a good track, but we have to do everything at our best.”
Russell’s 2023 podium came after a late-race collision between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz opened the door for him.
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, could only manage ninth place in the same race.
The pressure is on for Mercedes to turn things around and get back to challenging at the front of the grid. With McLaren’s season-long consistency and Verstappen’s recent form, they’ll need everything to click perfectly in Baku.
