Honda, Renault engines expected to struggle in Baku

Honda and Renault engined teams can expect to struggle against their Ferrari and Mercedes equipped rivals this weekend.

That is the belief of both Jenson Button and Helmut Marko, who have said that the long straights of the street circuit could prove to be their respective teams' undoing.

"It’ll be tough on the car with its long, fast straight, strong loads on the ERS and high fuel consumption," said Button, who's Honda-equipped McLaren team has struggled for pace this year. "We need to buckle down and work hard to get our package set up as quickly as possible for the demands of this circuit."

Red Bull's motorsport advisor echoed Button's sentiments, saying that his team would lose more than a second on the long straight, despite engine supplier Renault's recent improvements.

"Our computer simulations showed we will lose 1.2s per lap there," he said. "This is almost impossible to make up in the corners, though we have an outstanding car."

At just over six kilometres long, the Baku City Circuit will be the second longest on the Formula One calendar and will boast a straight 2.2 kilometres long. It is said to be the fastest street circuit in the world.

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule
show sidebar