Azerbaijan Grand Prix: times, statistics, forecasts

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Adrian Newey signs for his Aston Martin debut, plus Baku GP preview | Listen to the latest podcast episode.

Race track statistics and history

Although street circuits are becoming increasingly popular in Formula 1, Baku remains a standout event on the calendar. It is the only F1 track to pass a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the section around Turns 8, 9 and 10 being lined by the walls of the city's charming Old Town.

When the circuit was first added to the racing calendar in 2016, race organizers asphalted the cobblestone roads with the intention of removing the temporary asphalt every year, but ultimately decided to leave the track surface in place.

The long pit lane, which includes the high-speed turns 18, 19 and 20, sees cars reaching speeds of over 350 km/h and inviting overtaking at turn 1. Racing tends to be either completely chaotic or more routine, but with the walls so close and the speeds so high, a race-deciding Safety Car is always just a small mistake away.

Round: 51 laps of 6 km each. Total distance 306 km

Lap record: 1:43.009, Charles Leclerc (2019)

Most wins: Sergio Pérez (2021, 2023). Daniel Ricciardo (2017), Lewis Hamilton (2018), Valtteri Bottas (2019) and Verstappen (2022) have also won here.

Most Poles: Leclerc with three consecutive (2021-2023). Bottas (2019), Sebastian Vettel (2018) and Hamilton (2017) were on pole here.

What happened last year?

Baku hosted a sprint weekend in 2023, with Leclerc taking pole position for both the shortened race and the full-distance Grand Prix. Despite Ferrari's impressive single-lap pace, Red Bull had a clear advantage in the races and Pérez took the sprint win as Verstappen collided with George Russell on the first lap. Pérez also won the Grand Prix, with the help of a well-timed safety car on lap 10.

While the 2023 event did not showcase the best that Baku has to offer, there was some obligatory chaos on the final lap when Esteban Ocon pulled into the pits for a late tire change and found a crowd of photographers jostling for the best spot for photos from the podium.

Who will win?

With Red Bull's performance continuing to decline, last year's one-two finish is no guarantee of how Sunday's Grand Prix will turn out.

In theory, Ferrari should be quick, especially in the hands of Baku specialist Leclerc, and the team will be looking to build on its emotional win at Monza two weeks ago. But with McLaren currently quick on any type of circuit, it's a safe bet that either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri will win – with or without team instructions.

How to view the GP

Watch on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ (US only) – check the schedule.

The live broadcast in the UK will be on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.

For news, analysis and updates follow the coverage with ESPN's F1 team Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson in Baku and on social media.

Friday
Free Practice 1: 10:30–11:30 BST
Free practice two: 14:00-15:00 BST

Saturday
Third free practice session: 09:30–10:30 BST
Qualification: 13:00–14:00 CEST

Sunday
Race start: 12:00 BST.

This is what the championships look like

The gap has narrowed again after the Italian Grand Prix, but Max Verstappen remains a comfortable 62 points ahead of Lando Norris in the drivers' standings.

In the constructors' championship, however, things are painfully close. McLaren is now just eight points behind Red Bull.

Tables | Calendar | Teams