Formula 1 in Azerbaijan: Sebastian Vettel's big goal

Of course, Sebastian Vettel looked very carefully.

While inspecting the track, the four-time Formula 1 world champion took a close look at the tricky slope in Baku through his mirrored sunglasses.

Here is a selfie, there is an autograph - after scoring his first ten World Cup points for Aston Martin, the 33-year-old also looked relaxed on Thursday.

The fifth place last in Monaco should have been just the beginning, because the Hessian wants to build on it at the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan on Sunday (2 p.m. CEST in the FAZ live ticker for Formula 1 and on Sky).

“We want to take our momentum with us,” he said.

It will certainly not be easy.

Because the course in the Principality was completely different two weeks ago.

Although there is a similarly slow passage in Azerbaijan's capital, the route also has long straights that require a lot of engine power and a perfect set-up.

"There is no room for mistakes here," said Vettel, who always ended up in the top four at all of his starts in Baku.

“I hope we can continue this trend.

It's a very challenging course, ”said the former champion.

"I'd rather sleep longer"

The ambition of the Heppenheimer is unbroken, his goals remain the same as before with Red Bull and Ferrari. “I drive to win. We are currently not in the position to do so, but we are motivated, ”said Vettel. But for the World Cup eleventh, patience is still required. “We are slowly making better progress with our car. Small things can make a big difference, "he said in a digital media panel:" We have to keep pushing and see what we can get in the next races. "

While world championship leader Max Verstappen has spared himself to walk the courses since 2017 ("I prefer to sleep longer"), Mick Schumacher also ran the six kilometers three days before the race. "I'm looking forward to the weekend. Hopefully we can fight with Williams and Alfa, ”said Schumacher. More than battles for placement with the backbenchers shouldn't be possible in his defeated Haas racing car. But it should go better than in Monaco.

After two training accidents, he initially missed the qualification.

Because of problems with the fuel pressure, he had to let his team-mate Nikita Masepin pass again after an overtaking maneuver - and then couldn't get past, although he was significantly faster.

"We took a good look at it and saw what we can improve," said Schumacher.

After the unsuccessful mission, the 22-year-old exchanged views with Vettel again.

"I've already learned a lot from him and I hope that I can learn a lot more from him," said Schumacher during a media talk about the relationship with the second German driver.

“It's just nice to talk to him about general things.” The rookie said that you could rely on someone, “who only wants the best for me”, that gives him “a good feeling”.

Both pilots have had a close relationship for years. That hasn't changed since they raced against each other on the track. "That can work if you invest the time," said Mick Schumacher. His father Michael was once Vettel's childhood idol. The two can be seen together again and again and exchange ideas regularly. "I enjoy it," said Schumacher.