The world championship spotlight shifts to the streets of Baku as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc race to reclaim momentum. Both drivers remain among the leading contenders as the eighth round of the Formula 1 World Championship unfolds, with Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso also positioned to shine for Ferrari and Alpine respectively.
The Baku Street Circuit marks the second consecutive street race on the calendar following Monaco, a venue that again tests every rider under artificial light and rain-soaked drama. Verstappen and Leclerc enter with competitive nerves and a shared determination to close the gap on the current leader, while Sainz and Alonso push for strong results that could reshape the early-season table.
At Monaco, the Red Bull squad extended its streak, with Sergio Perez delivering a crucial win that maintained the team’s grip on the championship lead. The result reinforced Red Bull’s reputation for performance on demanding street layouts, though the squad will look to transfer that form to the challenging streets of Baku where overtaking opportunities are rarer and setup precision matters more than ever.
Historically, Red Bull has enjoyed success in Baku, boasting podium finishes during multiple visits to this track layout. Verstappen has had stronger results elsewhere, and this season the team will be counting on a balance of pace and strategy to maximize the chances of a breakthrough in the Azerbaijani capital. Discussion around the balance of risk and reward will continue as the team refines its approach for this circuit, which rewards quick calls and clean air alike.
Mercedes has also carved a niche in this race’s history through past performances by rival drivers, while Ferrari has shown moments of competitiveness that hint at a potential fight for top positions. The battles on Saturdays often set the tone for Sundays, with the grid dynamics and weather conditions playing pivotal roles in final outcomes.
Verstappen will seek to defend his slender eight-point advantage over Leclerc at the halfway point of the season. In recent seasons, Leclerc has demonstrated strong pace and strategic restraint, making him a persistent threat when a podium finish is within reach. Red Bull continues to assert dominance in endurance and pace, but the championship race remains wide open as the calendar progresses.
SAINZ TARGETS A TOP-3 PUSH AS ALONSO EYES A STRONG RUN
Leclerc enters the weekend with confidence rooted in pole position from the previous edition and a strong history at the circuit. Perez remains within striking distance, carrying a sharp edge from recent races where he has produced consistent top finishes and podiums that bolster his team’s position in the standings. The decision-making and team management under pressure will be tested as the squad balances driver preferences with strategic calls that influence the outcome of each race.
Carlos Sainz, the Scuderia’s standout performer in recent rounds, arrives in Baku renewed and ready to challenge for a top-three finish. His recent podiums and strong showings have reenergized his bid for a higher place in the table as the season progresses. Sainz’s objective is clear: reclaim a position among the leading trio and set up a late-season charge.
The Madrid native has claimed podiums in consecutive races and sits just one point behind his closest rivals. With a strong performance in this race and steady points elsewhere, Sainz looks to add another solid chapter to an increasingly consistent campaign. The ambition is to close the gap to the front runners and close in on the championship picture.
Fernando Alonso arrives in Baku determined to demonstrate Alpine’s step forward with a competitive package. The team has introduced aerodynamic updates aimed at boosting downforce and stability, which could translate into better handling on this high-speed, narrow circuit. Alonso, a two-time world champion, has shown resilience and experience that could prove decisive in the fight for mid-pack supremacy and occasional forays into the top of the order.
The Azeri Grand Prix presents a unique challenge where overtaking is notoriously difficult and the wind patterns around the city can affect performance. This street race demands precise aerodynamics and robust reliability, and the weekend narratives will be shaped by how well teams manage tire wear, pit strategies, and on-track battles that test both driver and machine.
WHERE TO WATCH THE AZERBAIJAN FORMULA 1 GP
The race can be watched live on DAZN and SPORT. If a viewer subscribes to Movistar+, Formula 1 is also available on the DAZN F1 channel for streaming and coverage in the relevant regions. [Source: event organizers and broadcast partners]