The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is one of the most unpredictable races in Formula 1. Held on the streets of Baku, the event often delivers drama, with safety cars, crashes, and last-minute changes deciding the result.
As the 2025 race approaches, fans are eager to see if McLaren can continue their strong form or if Red Bull, Ferrari, or Mercedes will steal the spotlight.
The Circuit: Baku City Circuit
The Baku City Circuit is 6.003 km long, making it one of the longest tracks on the F1 calendar. It has 20 corners and a mix of very tight and very fast sections. The “castle section” is one of the narrowest parts of any track in Formula 1, where accuracy matters the most.
On the other side, the main straight along the boulevard is over 2 km long, where cars reach some of the highest top speeds of the season. This mix makes Baku tricky, teams must find a balance between downforce for the corners and straight-line speed for overtaking.
What Happened Last Year (2024 Azerbaijan GP) ?
The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a thrilling race that ended with Oscar Piastri taking his first win at Baku for McLaren. He fought hard against Charles Leclerc, who finished second, while George Russell came home third for Mercedes. The race was full of drama, with a late collision between Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez shaking up the order.
A virtual safety car in the closing stages also influenced strategy and final results. Piastri’s win was a big moment for McLaren, helping them climb to the top of the constructors’ standings at that point in the season.
Drivers Who Have Won Most Often at Baku
Baku has a history of delivering different winners, which makes it special. Unlike tracks dominated by one driver, the Azerbaijan GP has seen many champions. However, Sergio Pérez stands out as the only driver with multiple wins at this venue, making him the most successful at Baku.
Other drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas and now Oscar Piastri have also won here, proving that almost anything can happen on this street circuit.
Also read: Pawan Sehrawat: Here’s the real reason why Tamil Thalaivas captain was removed from the team!
Favourites This Year at Baku (2025)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – The defending winner at Baku and one of the championship leaders this season. His calm driving style and strong McLaren car make him a big favourite.
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – Piastri’s teammate is also in great form this year. Norris is quick on street circuits and could easily fight for victory.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Verstappen and Red Bull are always dangerous. With their powerful straight-line speed, they will be strong contenders again in Baku.
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – Known for his street circuit pace, Leclerc has been close to winning in Baku before. If Ferrari’s setup works, he could finally take the top step here.
- George Russell (Mercedes) – Russell finished third last year and has the confidence to perform well again. Mercedes may not always have the fastest car, but Russell’s skill can make a difference.
Wildcards are also possible, Baku often produces surprises, with mid-field drivers or teams like Williams or Alpine having a chance if safety cars or strategy shake things up.
Conclusion
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is never predictable, and that is why fans love it. In 2025, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are the top favourites thanks to their strong season so far.
Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell are also strong contenders. But at Baku, even the best predictions can be overturned in a single lap. Expect drama, expect chaos, and expect an unforgettable race weekend.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
