Race Weekend Central

F1 Review: Max Verstappen Bullish in Baku, Takes Azerbaijan Grand Prix

F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 12: The race winners trophies of Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, second place of Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing and constructors trophy of Red Bull Racing are pictured in the Pitlane after the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 12, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202206120420 // Usage for editorial use only //

The Baku City Circuit held a fairly normal race, by its standards, in 2022 as Max Verstappen asserted his dominance by winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Slipstream Saturday: The Chaos of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan - Practice

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 10: Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 10, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202206100400 // Usage for editorial use only //

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has offered strange circumstances during its short tenure on the Formula 1 schedule. The question is whether or not such results will continue.

Slipstream Saturday: Charles Leclerc & Monaco, Valtteri Bottas & Fridays, Daniel Ricciardo & McLaren

Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren in the drivers parade

Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren in the drivers parade at the Miami Grand Prix (credit: McLaren media)

Charles Leclerc has struggled on his home track of Monaco. Valtteri Bottas has found troubles on Friday. Daniel Ricciardo has yet to find his groove with McLaren. All three face unusual challenges as they head into the Monaco Grand Prix.

F1 Review: Max Verstappen Spins but Still Captures Spanish GP Win

F1 Grand Prix of Spain

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 22: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 22, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202205220434 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix even after spinning into the gravel on lap nine. Charles Leclerc looked like he was in line to earn the win but his Ferrari power unit failed midway through the race.

F1 Midweek: Americans Turn Out in Miami, Reliability Hounds Red Bull

F1 Grand Prix of Miami

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 08: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, Second placed Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari and Third placed Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari celebrate on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Autodrome on May 08, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202205090009 // Usage for editorial use only //

With five rounds down and 18 rounds to go, the 2022 Formula One World Championship looks set to be Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen face off for the title.