F1 LIVE | Qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku
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It's qualifying time in Baku at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Eight races are left in the 2024 Formula 1 season, and around the Baku City Circuit, a pole position could be vital in both the drivers' and constructors' title battles. McLaren look to have abandoned the 'papaya rules' that came under criticism at the Italian Grand Prix last time out, looking to aid Lando Norris in his drivers' title bid. However, Red Bull seems much more competitive with a newly updated floor. But who will start first on the grid? Follow every step of qualifying down below!
F1 LIVE | Qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku
Red Bull back to their best?
There were not many updates that were brought to Baku for this weekend, but Red Bull were one of those few teams. They brought a new floor to help turn their fortunes around after a disastrous Italian Grand Prix, and it looks like it is doing the trick. Max Verstappen took P1 in the first free practice session of the weekend, and Sergio Perez was just pipped by Charles Leclerc to first in FP2, highlighting the pace that Red Bull have found.
For McLaren, they will want to see an improvement on the running from Friday, with neither Oscar Piastri nor Lando Norris challenging at the top of the timing sheets. However, they have been the most consistent throughout 2024, and they will be looking to overtake Red Bull and take the lead in the constructors' championship for the first time this season.
However, don't discount Ferrari or Mercedes from this debate. Leclerc, despite his FP1 crash, set the fastest time of anyone in FP2, showing that the Ferrari has some speed around the streets of Baku. Lewis hamilton was also within a tenth of a second of the Monegasque driver when the chequered flag fell for free practice two, showing that the silver Arrows also have the potential at Baku this weekend.