Red Bull told why the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be like ‘poison’ for the RB20

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It has been six races since the seemingly dominant Red Bull team last won a race in a season that began with everyone expecting them to dominate.

Fortunately for journalists and fans alike, that fate doesn’t await us anymore – with one of the most thrilling conclusions to a season in recent memory ahead.

Eight of the 24 rounds remain, and McLaren‘s Lando Norris has a 62-point gap to close down in order to usurp Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship race.

It’s even tighter in the constructors’, largely thanks to Sergio Perez‘s struggles, which are expected to be amplified in Baku this weekend at a track which does not suit the RB20.

Why the Azerbaijan Grand Prix could be like ‘poison’ for Red Bull

The Baku street circuit plays host to the longest straight in Formula 1 at over 1.2km, offering an opportunity for overtaking, but also suffering for those without the right package.

Red Bull were the slowest team through the speed traps at the Italian Grand Prix, and their lack of a low downforce rear wing even annoyed Verstappen at Monza.

Journalist Ralf Back agrees that Red Bull’s next few races could make for grim reading if they fail to improve their form.

READ MORE: Daniel Ricciardo expecting to run part in Baku that made Yuki Tsunoda ‘extremely unhappy’

“Now we have a track in Azerbaijan that can be very, very undulating, which has been a poison for them so far the Red Bull in the last races,” he said on F1-Insider.com‘s YouTube.

“Then comes Singapore, maybe there will be a miracle and they are just good where they were really bad last year, even though they had by far the best car.”

Red Bull desperately need a turnaround

Red Bull will be very aware that their current form is not enough for them retain either of their championships.

McLaren were nearly one second quicker than them during qualifying in Monza, and the gap between them could only increase at the next few events.

READ MORE: Martin Brundle’s verdict on whether Aston Martin could sign Max Verstappen after hiring Adrian Newey

Effectively, Verstappen miracles are required to remain in the fight until upgrades arrive later on in the season.

At the same time, if McLaren continue to fail to put everything together, Ferrari could be equally as threatening by the time we arrive in Abu Dhabi for the title finale.

Charles Leclerc proved how his experience and raw speed can be dangerous last time out, so expect more of that from a team and a driver with nothing to lose in the final third of the season.