We have now entered the final phase of the F1 season and the Baku Grand Prix, which usually takes place at the start of the championship, is ready to host the 17th round of the calendar. This new development introduces another unknown factor into a season that is already difficult to predict. Although we are in the final stages of the championship, the values on the track continue to change race after race, keeping the competition alive and open. The big favorite of the season, McLaren, is not dominating with the same confidence with which Red Bull has concluded the last few seasons. The fluctuating performances are also linked to the team's strategy: aiming for the constructors' championship, which seems more achievable, or also dreaming of the drivers' title, although it is a more complex challenge. With 8 races still to go, anything is still possible. Ferrari, with the victory in Monza, has also regained confidence and ambition, making Baku and Singapore two crucial events for the Maranello team. Let's see the tips for the Baku GP at Fanta F1!
Red Bull's decline: obvious problems
One of the central themes of the season is the decline in performance of Red Bull, who have not won since the Spanish Grand Prix. Although the Baku circuit has historically smiled on the team, with Sergio Perez boasting two victories in Azerbaijan, this time the hopes seem limited to the possibility of obtaining a podium. In the last four races, Red Bull has collected only 73 points, a result that highlights the decline in performance compared to the standards we were used to. Curiously, the same number of points was scored by Oscar Piastri alone, underlining the exponential growth of McLaren.
This negative trend is also clearly reflected in the F1 Fantasy. Red Bull drivers Verstappen and Perez have seen a drastic drop in both performance and their stocks. At the same time, the stocks of the two McLaren drivers have risen, as have those of Leclerc and Mercedes. However, the internal fight between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri could pose a risk for the Fantamanagers. The crucial question is: who to bet on for the Baku weekend?
Norris or Piastri: who to choose in Fanta F1?
Lando Norris is undoubtedly under more pressure. As the “oldest” driver in the McLaren team, he is expected to perform better. He is currently the closest to Verstappen in the standings, although the gap between Norris and his young teammate, Piastri, is lower than the one that separates Norris and the championship leader. However, the high price of Norris in Fanta F1 could push Fantasy managers to opt for a cheaper choice, represented by Piastri.
Oscar Piastri, despite making his debut in Formula 1, has shown that he can compete at the highest levels, bringing home precious points for McLaren. From a Fanta F1 perspective, it could be a great alternative to Norris, especially if combined with Charles Leclerc, who has always offered high-level performances in Baku, especially in qualifying. The Monegasque has a particular affinity with the Azerbaijani street circuit and could prove to be a winning choice for this weekend.
Low-Cost Surprises: Oliver Bearman
One of the low-cost surprises for the Baku weekend is youngster Oliver Bearman, who returns to Fanta F1. The British driver will replace Kevin Magnussen, inheriting his credits, and is an intriguing choice for those looking to take a low-cost gamble. Bearman has already had the opportunity to shine in Jeddah with Ferrari, demonstrating that he has the talent to compete at a high level despite only making his second appearance at a race weekend. The full weekend in Baku will be a great test to assess whether he can truly be the surprise package of the Grand Prix.
Fanta F1, the advice in the NOW Community Club
Inside the Club Community NOW, the challenge continues to be extremely heated with several Fantamanagers trying to climb the rankings to obtain the title of the Fantasy F1 championship. Choosing the right low-cost driver or betting on a big name among the title contenders are the crucial questions in this decisive phase of the season. Let's see our choices for the weekend, with a base of 100 credits.
PLATES – LECLERC – ZHOU – COLAPINTO – BEARMAN
Baku GP Predictions
Safety Car: YES
Virtual Safety Car: YES
Red Flag: YES
Drivers unmark wet/full wet tires in the race: NO
Team double in the race: NO
Driver who starts from pole wins the race: YES
Stables to bring both riders into the top 10: 4
Drivers forced to retire: 3
