© Getty Images

Checo Chats About BakuThe two-time Azerbaijan podium finisher gives his thoughts on this unique race.

SundaywillseethefifthoutingoftheBakuCityCircuitinFormulaOne,andinthefourpreviousraces,Sergiohasstoodonthepodiumtwice,andhe’shopingtomakeitahat-trickofAzerbaijanpodiumsthisweekend.

Bull In Baku© Vladimir Rys

Baku first appeared on the calendar in 2016 and was named the European Grand Prix that year. Checo qualified P2, but due to a gearbox penalty started the race in P7. However, he gained two places early on in the race and with some strong overtakes, and a good strategy, he was able to bring his Force India home in P3.

Checo’s next podium came in 2018, but it was a much more turbulent time for Checo and his team at the time, as Force India was entering administration. “It was a tough season,” said Checo. “I remember before the race I was talking with the lawyers about nothing to do with racing, but we worked well on the track and managed to secure the podium for the team. I had a damaged front wing early on in the race and went pretty much to last.”

As always, Checo wasn’t going to give up and what was a nadir for Red Bull, benefited the Mexican. He was in P6, behind Daniel Ricciardo and Max, when on lap 40 the pair collided, ending both their races and moving Checo up to P4. “I was recovering through the field and then Max and Daniel gave me a nice favour, moving me up. Towards the end of the race Sebastian had a flat spot on his tyre and was struggling, so I overtook him and was able to make it stick to make the podium.”

With no race taking place in Azerbaijan in 2020, the entire paddock is happy to be back and race at the street circuit. Although it doesn’t suit everyone, but it’s one of Checo’s favourites. “It’s cool to be back, as it was a shame we couldn’t come last year,” he said going on to add: “You need a lot of confidence to drive here, especially in the castle section. You aim for the apex and if you’re just a couple of millimetres out you’ll end up on the wrong side. You get some laps where you think ‘that was close’, but as long as you finish the race, it’s ok. You’ll leave a couple of marks on the wall before the end.”

Checo Sends It By The Castle© Getty Images

One of the things the drivers have to contend with is the wind. Set on the edge of the Caspian Sea, it always plays a part and can alter how the driver attacks the track. “It can mean less grip in some corners and in certain directions, so there’s a lot to think about on this circuit.”

Checo’s goal this weekend is to get on the podium for the first time with the Team and past experience means he knows exactly how to do it. “If we get a good balance on Saturday and a good race pace on Sunday, we can have a lot of fun,” he said, concluding: “I think we should be in the mix. Mercedes will be strong, as are Ferrari and McLaren, it’s a year where a lot of teams are in the mix. So, getting things together on Saturday will be critical, that way we know on Sunday we’ll be able to get a result. I want to be fighting for the win.”