Stay tuned with the latest developments from the Baku GP qualifying session, featuring important announcements and driver standings.
Azerbaijan GP Secures Place Until 2030
This Azerbaijan Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2030 after securing a multi-year contract extension. This new deal ensures that the city track will keep staging races beyond next year’s grand prix.
At first viewed as a unexpected venue when it debuted in 2016, the Baku circuit has grown into one of Formula 1’s most unexpected courses. However, holding a race in the nation has also raised concerns regarding social issues conditions.
Latest Drivers’ Championship Rankings
Below is the updated list of competitors in the title standings:
- Piastri (Australian) McLaren 324 pts
- Norris (British) McLaren 293 points
- Max Verstappen (Dutch) Red Bull 230 points
- Russell (British) Mercedes 194 pts
- Charles Leclerc (Mon) 163 pts
- Lewis Hamilton (GB) 117 pts
- Albon (Thai) 70 pts
- Kimi Antonelli (It) 66 points
Saturday Session Highlights
During the final session, Norris set the fastest time, even after gusty winds affecting the session. This championship-hopeful racer had a significant impact with the barrier during Friday’s practice, but thankfully his car was undamaged seriously damaged.
Norris had been among the earliest top competitors on track and at first reported that his vehicle felt sketchy. However, he pushed to climb to the top of the leader boards in the closing stages, ending ahead of Max Verstappen.
Championship front-runner Oscar Piastri too faced a challenging practice, narrowly escaping another collision with the barriers. Piastri ended the running in third position, behind his teammate.
Baku, referred to as the “City of Breezes,” lived up to its name with gusts up to 20 km/h sweeping across the track. Lewis Hamilton placed fourth for Ferrari, while his teammate Leclerc finished in tenth after a brush with the wall.
Preamble
Last season, on the streets of Baku, McLaren started to emerge as a leading contender in Formula 1. Piastri won his second race, and Lando Norris battled through the field, allowing McLaren to overtake Red Bull in the team championship.
Today, McLaren have extended their lead from the other teams. They could clinch the constructors’ title this Sunday, with the only outstanding issue being which of their drivers will claim the title.
The British driver’s comeback to Baku this weekend has been mixed. After a expensive crash in Friday’s session, he recovered to top the Saturday session, with Verstappen and Piastri behind in second and 3rd position.
Leclerc, who has achieved pole position in qualifying for the past four races here, still hasn’t claim the main race. Time trials begins at 1pm UK time, 16:00 in Baku.
