Racing is back two weeks after the post-summer-break resumption as the Formula One grid heads to the fast and explosive Baku street track in Azerbaijan.
McLaren have the chance to create history here, while Red Bull will be looking to build on their Italy win.
With plenty of narratives at play, here are our preview and predictions for the 2025 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The Azerbaijan race could well cement this year’s Constructors’ title. McLaren have had such a dominant season so far that they are already 337 points clear of their closest rival in the standings and have a shot at picking up their second consecutive title in Baku.
The Woking-based team have already registered an incredible seven 1-2 finishes this season, with Oscar Piastri holding the lead in the Drivers’ standings ahead of teammate Lando Norris.
For all their dominance, in Monza McLaren were beaten fair and square, though moving to a street track — where they’ve dominated this season — they will be the favourites once again.
A 1-2 — even a 1-3 — finish for McLaren should secure the Constructors’ title, as long as they outscore Ferrari by nine points. Doing so will mark the earliest-ever Constructors’ title win in Formula One history.
Pole position prediction: Oscar Piastri / Lando Norris
Race winners prediction: McLaren
After a string of six consecutive races, current championship leaders McLaren were beaten in Monza — and not just by a small margin. Red Bull and Max Verstappen were dominant in their Italian Grand Prix triumph, which was also the first time McLaren were beaten comprehensively this season.
Red Bull’s new upgrades after the summer break have definitely made their mark on the track, but the question remains: can the Austrian team maintain this level and challenge Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for the rest of the season, or will McLaren answer back in style?
Historically, Baku has been a strong track for Red Bull, although they have not been the most competitive outfit on street tracks this year. They’ll again start as contenders and not favourites in Baku, but if they can emulate their heroics from Monza and show that it was not a one-off performance, then we should be in for a strong and exciting race.
It’s been a disappointing season for Ferrari, who are yet to pick up a win. The iconic Italian team have struggled with consistency and reliability throughout the year, though they have shown some promise in the last couple of races.
A pole position for Charles Leclerc in Hungary — and the fact that he was able to keep up with Piastri in Italy — has been promising for the Scuderia, but it’s the Monégasque’s decorated teammate who has been struggling in particular.
Lewis Hamilton, who joined the team ahead of this season, has had a woeful start to his Ferrari career and is yet to get on the podium for them. That said, if there is anyone on the grid who can turn around a rough start to a season with some stellar results, it is the seven-time world champion.
A high-speed street circuit with a couple of tight sections should bode well for Ferrari. Expect them to have a strong outing on a track that should suit them.
Dark horses: Ferrari
Circuit: Baku City Circuit
Venue: Azadliq Square, Baku, Azerbaijan
Practice Session 1 time: 14:00 IST, September 19, 2025
Practice Session 2 time: 17:30 IST, September 19, 2025
Practice Session 3 time: 14:00 IST, September 20, 2025
Qualifying time: 17:30 IST, September 20, 2025
Main race time: 16:30 IST, September 21, 2025
Where to watch: F1 TV Pro / FanCode
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