Baku Beckons: 5 Burning Questions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
As the European leg of the Formula 1 season fades into the rearview mirror, the championship caravan heads east for the final third of the calendar. We’re sixteen races down with eight to go, and the flyaway finale kicks off on the often unpredictable streets of Baku. This circuit has a reputation for delivering chaos, and as we gear up for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, there’s no shortage of storylines to sink our teeth into.
Will McLaren Seal the Deal in Baku?
The intense intra-team battle at McLaren has dominated this season. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have turned the Drivers’ Championship into their personal playground, a two-man duel for the ultimate prize. With seven wins for Piastri and five for Norris, their consistent high-level performance has created a massive byproduct, a colossal lead in the Constructors’ Championship.
The gap is so vast that McLaren could mathematically clinch the title this weekend in Baku. A 1-2 finish, or even a first and third, would secure the championship, no matter what second-placed Ferrari manages to achieve. Even if they don’t land a double podium, outscoring the Scuderia by just nine points would be enough. If they pull it off, it will mark the earliest a team has ever won the Constructors’ title, with a staggering seven races still left on the calendar. The Woking squad is on the verge of history, and the streets of Baku could be where the celebrations begin.
Can Red Bull Keep the Momentum Going After Monza?
Just when we thought McLaren was untouchable, Monza threw a curveball. For the first time in six races, a papaya car didn’t take the top step, and it wasn’t their closest rivals, Ferrari, who dethroned them. Instead, it was Red Bull, with Max Verstappen delivering a masterclass to claim his third win of the season. It was a stunning turnaround from their struggles at the same track a year ago and Verstappen’s first victory since Imola, nine races prior.
The team pointed to a new floor and some clever setup choices as the keys to their rediscovered pace. Now, the big question is whether that Monza magic was a one-off, a fluke owed to the unique low-downforce demands of the “Temple of Speed,” or if Red Bull has genuinely found a way back into the fight. Baku presents a completely different challenge, a track where Verstappen also struggled last year. This weekend will be the true test. Was Monza a flash in the pan, or is the reigning champion about to become a regular thorn in McLaren’s side?
How Will Antonelli Bounce Back in Baku?
Kimi Antonelli, the highly-touted Italian rookie, has had the unwavering backing of Mercedes throughout his journey to Formula 1. But after the Italian Grand Prix, that support came with a dose of tough love. Team Principal Toto Wolff labeled Antonelli’s home race weekend as “underwhelming,” a rare public critique. A spin in practice and a clumsy race where he picked up a penalty for “erratic driving” left him with a ninth-place finish.
Interestingly, that was actually his best result of the European season. The last time the F1 circus raced outside Europe, in Canada, Antonelli scored his first podium. He’s admitted to feeling the pressure on the familiar European tracks. Now, returning to Baku, a circuit where he scored a feature race podium in F2 last year, could be the reset he desperately needs. It’s a chance to shake off the disappointment of Monza and prove he has the resilience to match his raw talent.
Can Bearman Survive the Baku Tightrope?
A year ago, Ollie Bearman got his big break in Baku, stepping into the Haas after Kevin Magnussen earned a race ban. He seized the opportunity, scoring a point and making history. This year, he returns to the same track under a very different kind of pressure. Following a collision with Carlos Sainz at Monza, Bearman is now sitting on 10 penalty points, just two away from a race ban of his own. He has to walk a fine line, racing hard without crossing it, until after the Mexico City Grand Prix, four races from now.
It’s a nerve-wracking position for any driver, let alone a young one still finding his footing. The spotlight on penalties is brighter than ever, especially after Williams successfully overturned a penalty given to Sainz from the Dutch Grand Prix. The incident has sparked debate among the drivers about consistency and what constitutes fair racing. For Bearman, the streets of Baku are a tightrope, and one false move could see him watching the next race from the sidelines.
Is Baku Guaranteed to Deliver Drama?
Since its debut, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has earned a special place in the hearts of fans for one simple reason. It’s wildly unpredictable. The races here tend to be one of two things: a straightforward, incident-free procession, or absolute, unadulterated chaos. There is no in-between. We’ve seen it all, from the bedlam of 2017 to the heart-stopping drama of 2021. Even last year’s race delivered a nail-biting fight for the win and a last-lap collision.
The circuit’s unique layout is a ridiculously tight and winding castle section that opens up into one of the longest straights on the calendar, which is a recipe for drama. It demands precision but rewards bravery, creating numerous overtaking opportunities while severely punishing even the most minor mistakes. When the lights go out in Baku, you know that anything can, and probably will, happen.
