Will McLaren overtake Red Bull in the constructors' title battle in Baku?
F1 News
The European races of the 2024 Formula 1 season are all finished after last weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix coming up this weekend. McLaren now sit just eight points behind Red Bull in the constructors' standings, and while Red Bull continues their downward spiral, the papaya-coloured team will hope to overtake the Austrian team in Baku. Will they be abe to do so? Read GPblog's preview here.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024
Instead of the Grand Prix around the Baku Street Circuit playing host to one of the opening races of the season, it has moved to September for 2024, and now there are only eight races left, and the title races are really hotting up. Since the Miami Grand Prix, Red Bull have gone through some struggles, and the last time out at Monza, it was possibly the worst performance in Red Bull's recent memory. Although Norris could not take the win from pole position, he cut a 70-point deficit on Max Verstappen to 62, and with Oscar Piastri's P2, McLaren closed the gap to just eight points in the constructors' championship. McLaren, who have been competitive at every race so far in 2024, will hope that's the same in Baku, while also hoping for more poor performances from Red Bull.
Baku City Circuit
Since the inaugural Grand Prix in 2016, the Baku City Circuit has been firmly embedded in the calendar. A lap of the street circuit is just over 6km long, making it the fourth-longest circuit on the 2024 F1 calendar, which includes the mammoth start/finish straight.
It was hoped that the Grand Prix would make its debut in 2015, but in July 2014, it was announced that it would be delayed until 2016. Since then, the circuit has played host to some entertaining and exciting races, including the 2017 race, which saw Daniel Ricciardo win, along with Valtteri Bottas finishing in P2 after falling to the back of the grid.
Sergio Perez has the most wins in Baku under his belt, winning in 2021 and 2023 with Red Bull to take that crown. Nico Rosberg, Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen also have a win to their name around the street circuit.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix weather forecast
A dry and warm race is expected in Baku this weekend, like at Monza last time out. Temperatures in the high twenties are expected to hit the street circuit, with a less than 5% chance of rain during the Grand Prix weekend, according to Weather.com.
When is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2024?
The Grand Prix weekend in Baku will take place from Friday 13 September to Sunday 15 September.
What time is the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
With the European races now complete for 2024, that means the European Grand Prix start times are now gone. The Grand Prix will start at 15:00 local time, which is a 12:00 start UK time. There is a three-hour time difference between Azerbaijan and the UK.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix timetable (BST)
Friday, 13 September
First free practice: 10:30 - 11:30
Second free practice: 14:00 - 15:00
Saturday, 14 September
Third free practice: 09:30 - 10:30
Qualifying: 13:00 - 14:00
Sunday, 15 September
Azerbaijan Grand Prix: 12:00
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