Formula 1 has never been more exciting, thanks to its unpredictable nature. It’s impossible to predict who will secure the pole position and emerge victorious. This is particularly true for the challenging street circuit of Baku. Add to this the fact that the drivers vying for the title are starting in sixth and sixteenth positions, and you know you’re in for an entertaining afternoon.
On the front row, we find Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. The Ferrari driver is starting from the front for the fourth time in a row and is eagerly hoping to finally claim victory in Azerbaijan. His biggest challenger for the win is right next to him on the grid, and the Monegasque knows he will have to pull out all the stops to keep Piastri behind him. The race pace of the McLaren is outstanding. Plus, the Australian, who has been demoted to second driver, will do everything he can to prove that this decision was unjust.
In their mirrors, Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez are lined up. Pérez, in particular, is keen on a good result and a podium finish is within reach. On April 21, he last stood on the podium in China. The second Red Bull driver loves this circuit and always manages to squeeze out something extra. The Mexican would love to repeat his feat from last year: winning!
Tactical Title Battle
On row three, George Russell and Max Verstappen stand side by side. The two had a clash on the street circuit last year and neither shies away from flexing their muscles. This could potentially cause some tumult in the first corners after the start, although Verstappen also knows that other interests are at play now. Lando Norris, his biggest rival in the title fight, starts from P16, so the Dutchman must ensure he crosses the finish line safely and with as many points as possible.
The same advice applies to Norris. He needs to stay out of trouble in the often hectic opening phase of this race and then make his way forward as quickly as possible. The long straight provides plenty of opportunities to achieve this. However, more than a handful of points and perhaps the fastest race lap are not in the cards for the Brit today.
Finally, two drivers who excelled in qualifying: Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman. The rookies were both faster than their experienced and highly regarded teammates. Beating both Alexander Albon and Nico Hülkenberg in only your second F1 qualifying? Hats off! And it also shows once again what Formula 1 is eagerly looking for besides unpredictability: fresh blood.
