Weather Forecast

The weather in Baku is set to be a mix of sun and cloud throughout the weekend. Friday will be hot and sunny with temperatures peaking at 25°C (77°F). Cloud cover will increase on Saturday and Sunday, bringing slightly cooler temperatures of 20-21°C (68-69°F). Wind speeds are expected to pick up on Sunday, reaching around 18 mph.

Circuit History & Stats

The Baku City Circuit, first introduced to the F1 calendar in 2016, is renowned for its unique blend of high-speed straights and tight, technical sections. The circuit skirts around a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a stunning backdrop of the city's medieval old town. The long pit straight sees cars reach speeds in excess of 220 mph, making it a hotspot for overtaking at Turn 1.

• First F1 Race: 2016 European GP (as Azerbaijan GP in 2017)
• Laps: 51
• Lap Record: 1:43.009, Charles Leclerc (2019)
• Most Wins: Sergio Pérez (2021, 2023)
• Most Poles: Charles Leclerc (4)

Race Predictions

With championship leader Oscar Piastri looking to defend his title and Charles Leclerc aiming to convert his pole positions into a race win, the competition is fierce. McLaren is on the verge of clinching the constructors' championship, potentially as early as this weekend. However, Max Verstappen, fresh off his victory in Monza, could be a strong contender for back-to-back wins.

How to Watch

• USA: ESPN and ESPN+
• UK: Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live (highlights on Channel 4)
• Global: Follow live updates and analysis with ESPN's F1 team on social media.

Session Times (BST)

• Friday:
  • Free Practice 1: 09:30-10:30
  • Free Practice 2: 13:00-14:00
• Saturday:
  • Free Practice 3: 09:30-10:30
  • Qualifying: 13:00-14:00
• Sunday:
  • Race: 12:00 (live text commentary from 11:00 on ESPN.co.uk/F1)

Championship Standings

McLaren leads the constructors' championship with 617 points, while the drivers' championship sees a tight battle between Piastri and Leclerc. With eight races remaining, every point counts.

Must-Reads

• Team Orders: Analysis of recent team strategies and their impact.
• Silverstone Sprint: Details on the 2026 sprint races and new locations.
• Unlapped Podcast: Weekly insights from ESPN's F1 experts.

Driver Quotes

"Every time you go there it's interesting, because you are a few centimetres every lap from the barrier, so in terms of focus, it's really intense." - Pierre Gasly

Last Year's Race

The 2024 Azerbaijan GP ended dramatically with Piastri claiming victory under a virtual safety car, while Leclerc and Russell completed the podium.

What Makes Baku Special

The Baku City Circuit is the only F1 track to feature a medieval castle, offering a unique and historic racing experience. The narrowest stretch of tarmac (7.8 metres) and the longest straight (2.2 kilometres) add to the challenge and excitement.

Conclusion

The 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling event with high stakes, intense competition, and unpredictable weather. Whether you're a fan of speed, strategy, or sheer spectacle, Baku delivers it all.