Azerbaijan GP F1: Preview, favorites, Leclerc on Pole and McLaren close to the title

Formula 1 arrives in Baku for the 17th round

The excitement of Formula 1 moves to Baku for the eighth race in the capital of Azerbaijan, a circuit known for its high speed and unique challenges. The championship leader, Oscar Piastri, achieved victory here last year, but it is Charles Leclerc who dominates in the qualifying sessions, with four pole positions on this circuit, although he has not yet managed to convert that advantage into a race victory. Also, will McLaren be able to secure the constructors’ championship this weekend?

Weather Forecast

Friday is expected to be hot and sunny, with maximum temperatures of 25°C. On Saturday and Sunday, cloud cover will increase, bringing with it slightly cooler temperatures, between 20 and 21°C. The wind will also intensify on Sunday, with forecast speeds of around 18 mph in Baku.

History and circuit statistics

The Baku circuit, which was added to the F1 calendar in 2016, is a highlight event. It is the only F1 track that borders a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the section around turns 8, 9 and 10 bordered by the walls of the old city. 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 safety car that defines the race 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) More victories: Sergio Pérez with two (2021, 2023). Other winners from the current grid: Lewis Hamilton (2018), Max Verstappen (2022), Piastri (2024) More poles: Leclerc with four (2021-2024). Hamilton (2017) is the only other pole sitter on the current grid. What makes it special: Nowhere else in the world do these cars roar alongside a medieval castle. The famous Baku castle section features the narrowest asphalt stretch of the season, at 7.8 meters, and the 2.2-kilometer straight of the circuit is the longest the series will cover all year.

“Every time you go there it’s interesting, because you’re a few centimeters from the barrier on each lap, so in terms of concentration, it’s really intense. If you’re a few centimeters more, you go straight to the wall and that’s it”.

Pierre Gasly

Azerbaijan first joined the F1 calendar in 2016 and has a contract until 2026.Team orders: That was the topic of conversation after the race two weeks ago. We may see more team orders from McLaren as the battle intensifies.

Sprint Races at Silverstone: F1 has announced six sprint races for 2026, including new locations.

Two-wheeled racing: Guenther Steiner is back on top, but not in F1. He is part of a group buying 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: For more analysis, listen to the latest episode of the F1 podcast.

Charles Leclerc has the most pole positions in Baku (four), but he hasn’t converted it into a race victory.

What happened last year?

The race had a dramatic finish, with Piastri achieving his second career victory and putting McLaren ahead of Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. Piastri crossed the finish line under a virtual safety car, caused by a 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 third.

Who will win?

As has been the case throughout the year, the smart bet is on 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 this season. Instead, we are betting on Verstappen to get consecutive victories after his sensational victory in Monza. That will depend on the direction of the setup that Red Bull pursued in Italy and that works again on the streets of Baku, but if anyone can achieve it, it’s Verstappen.

McLaren is about 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, if that were to 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’ championship could be decided this weekend, with McLaren far ahead with 617 points (27 podiums, 12 victories) compared to Ferrari’s 280 points (5 podiums, 0 victories). For fans in the United States, the race will be broadcast live 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. 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 Classification: 13:00-14:00 BST

Sunday

Race start: 12:00 BST