Azerbaijan GP F1: Piastri vs Leclerc in Baku, McLaren Champion?

Formula 1: The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is Approaching

Formula 1 moves to Baku for the seventeenth round of the season, the eighth race in the capital of Azerbaijan. Oscar Piastri, the current championship leader, won here last year, but Charles Leclerc is the king of qualifying at this circuit, with four pole positions. However, he has yet to convert that advantage into a race victory. Also, will McLaren be able to secure the constructors’ championship this Sunday? Join us to find out.

Weather Forecast

On Friday it is expected to be hot and sunny with maximum temperatures of 25°C. Saturday and Sunday will have cloud cover, which will bring slightly cooler temperatures, between 20-21°C. There is a possibility of light rain on Saturday and Sunday.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix joined the F1 calendar in 2016 and has a contract until 2026.

This week’s highlights

TEAM ORDERS: That was the topic of conversation after the race two weeks ago. We could see more team orders at McLaren as the battle intensifies.SPRINT AT SILVERSTONE: F1 has announced six sprint races for 2026, including new locations. Discover the full list and the 2026 calendar.MOTOGP: Guenther Steiner returns to the top, but not in F1. He is part of a group that buys a MotoGP team.McLAREN PERMUTATIONS: When will McLaren secure the constructors’ championship? After securing their first team title in 26 years in 2024, McLaren is on track to retain the crown in record time, with several races still to go, and it could happen this weekend. Here’s what they need to do.ANALYSIS: Listen to the latest F1 podcast episode for more analysis.

Charles Leclerc has the most poles in Baku (four), but he has not managed to convert it into a race victory.

Circuit Data and History

Despite urban circuits becoming increasingly popular in Formula 1, Baku remains a standout event on the calendar. It’s the only F1 track that borders a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the section around turns 8, 9, and 10 lined by the walls of the city’s charming old town. When the circuit first joined the calendar in 2016 (as the final edition of the European Grand Prix), the race organizers paved cobblestone streets with the intention of lifting the temporary asphalt each year, but ultimately decided to leave the track surface in place. The long pit straight, which includes the high-speed turns 18, 19 and 20, allows cars to reach speeds in excess of 220 mph and invites overtaking at turn 1. Races tend to be chaotic or routine, but with the walls so close and the speeds so high, a race-defining safety car is just around the corner.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Circuit: Baku City Circuit; Baku, Azerbaijan First F1 race: 2016 European Grand Prix. (First race as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2017) Laps: 51 laps of 6 km. Lap record: 1:43.009, Charles Leclerc (2019) Most wins: Sergio Pérez with two (2021, 2023).

Other winners from the current grid:

• Lewis Hamilton (2018)
• Max Verstappen (2022)
• Piastri (2024)

Most poles: Leclerc with four (2021-2024). Hamilton (2017) is the other driver on the current grid who has achieved pole position. What makes it special: While the F1 calendar landscape has become increasingly impressive in the last decade, nowhere else in the world do these cars roar alongside a medieval castle. Baku’s famous castle section features the narrowest asphalt stretch of the season, at 7.8 meters, and the circuit’s 2.2-kilometer straight is the longest the series will run all year. What the drivers say about it: “Every time you go there it’s interesting, because you’re a few centimeters from the barrier on every lap, so in terms of concentration, it’s really intense.” “It’s not a track where you can go a little wider on the outside curb and then maybe just touch a bit of grass and have some dust coming off the tires. No, if you’re just a few centimeters too much, then you go straight into the wall and that’s it.” — Pierre Gasly

Oscar Piastri achieved his second victory in Baku in 2024.

What happened last year?

The race had a dramatic conclusion with Piastri achieving his second race victory, putting McLaren ahead of Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. Piastri crossed the line under the virtual safety car, caused by the collision between Sergio Pérez and Carlos Sainz on the penultimate lap. Leclerc, who started from pole, had to settle for second place, with George Russell in third.

Who will win?

As has been the case throughout the year, the odds are in favor of McLaren. Piastri achieved a sensational victory on the streets of Baku last year, but the form of 2024 has not always been the best indication of 2025 performance so far in the season. Instead, we are betting on Verstappen to achieve consecutive victories after his sensational victory in Monza. That will depend on the setup direction that Red Bull pursued in Italy working again on the streets of Baku, but if anyone can achieve it, it’s Verstappen.

McLaren is on track to win their first consecutive constructors’ title since 1988-1991, when the team won four in a row.

This is how the championships are

Looking ahead to the weekend, 31 points separate the McLaren drivers in the drivers’ championship. With eight races remaining, there is still time for a change of leader, should that happen. In third place, Verstappen’s victory at Monza gave him a points boost: he is now 63 points behind Lando Norris. However, the constructors could secure it this weekend with McLaren miles ahead with 617 points (27 podiums, 12 wins) compared to Ferrari’s 280 points (5 podiums, 0 wins).Check the ranking.

How to watch the GP

For fans in the United States, watch the live broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+. In the UK, live coverage is broadcast on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live, with highlights on Channel 4. For news, analysis, and updates, follow the coverage with the F1 team on social media. Session times below in BST (British Summer Time). Local time is (AZT) Azerbaijan Time (BST+3 hours).

Friday

• Free practice one: 09:30-10:30 BST
• Free practice two: 13:00-14:00 BST

Saturday

• Free practice three: 09:30-10:30 BST
• Qualifying: 13:00-14:00 BST

Sunday

Start of race: 12:00 BST (live text commentary from 11:00 BST)Rankings | Calendar | TeamsF1 2025 Circuits: Their History, Statistics, and Why They’re Special Key data about drivers, teams, venues, and more Reasons to support each F1 driver, questions for each team Meet the Rookies: What to Expect From the 2025 F1 Class