Richard Verschoor returns to the streets of Azerbaijan with both fond memories and fierce determination as the Formula 2 championship battle intensifies. Just a year and three days after his commanding victory in Baku, the MP Motorsport driver finds himself in a familiar yet challenging position – chasing down the points leader with time running short.
Championship mathematics
Heading into 12th round in Baku, Verschoor occupies third place in the F2 Championship standings on 144 points, trailing Italian championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli by 30 points. With the season entering its final stages, the Dutch driver is acutely aware that every point will be crucial in his title aspirations.
“These rounds will be important, as is every round, but now we have to get closer and we definitely do not want to lose more points to him than we are already behind now,” Verschoor explained. “I think if we get any further behind it will be very difficult to fight for the Championship. So I have to make sure I get closer to him in terms of points , and then I will feel confident for the last two rounds.”
The 24-year-old’s confidence stems from his belief in both his machinery and the upcoming venues. “I know I have a very good car underneath me here, so every point we can take of those 30 will be good, because I feel like we can fight for it in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as well.”
Baku brilliance
If there is a circuit on the F2 calendar where Verschoor can draw confidence, it is undoubtedly the Baku City Circuit. Last year’s performance was nothing short of spectacular – converting pole position into a commanding victory ahead of Victor Martins and Kimi Antonelli. However, the seasoned F2 campaigner remains pragmatic about the influence of past success.
“Of course good memories,” Verschoor acknowledged. “But I always say that results of the past never guarantee results in the future, so we are starting from zero and with another team. I know last year we were very competitive, but I’m pushing to be competitive again this year. I am very happy so far with the season in general, as we have always been quite there.”
The unique character of the Azerbaijan circuit clearly appeals to Verschoor’s driving style. “I think this track is quite special as well, as I personally really like this kind of track, so I am excited to push together with the team.”
The Baku formula
What makes a driver successful around the “Land of Fire”? According to Verschoor, it comes down to one crucial element: confidence. The circuit’s demanding layout – featuring several long straights leading into heavy braking zones, coupled with a tight and twisty middle sector – requires absolute faith in both car and driver.
“Confidence is the main word for what we need this weekend,” Verschoor emphasised. “The car of course is important but the confidence that the car gives you is even more important, and from there the slipstream will definitely help.”
Technical considerations are equally important in Baku’s unique environment. “So far it looks like there is a mix of cars with medium and low downforce rear wings. But for sure it will be important to be confident with the car because there are a lot of great points on this track. Most of the corners are in second gear, so it will be important to get the braking sorted because there are many braking points.”
Weather concerns
One factor that could significantly impact Verschoor’s championship charge is the weather. With rain currently forecast for all three days of action, the MP Motorsport driver makes no secret of his preference for dry conditions.
“No rain. I am really not hoping for rain,” he stated emphatically. “This year all the bad results we have had have mainly been done in the rain. So I really hope we do not have rain unless we have found something to improve. I hope to have a dry weekend.”
As the F2 championship battle reaches its crescendo, Verschoor’s return to Baku represents more than just another race weekend – it’s a crucial opportunity to reignite his title challenge and demonstrate that lightning can indeed strike twice on the streets of Azerbaijan.
