formula 1
This is what you need to know about the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Max Verstappen from the Netherlands from Team Red Bull Racing (l) in action last year. photo
© Sergei Grits/AP/dpa
Max Verstappen is the favorite in the Formula 1 race in Baku. However, the new format of the weekend in Azerbaijan could add further excitement.
In the hunt for his third Formula 1 title in a row, Max Verstappen is challenged in Baku. The World Championship leader is the favorite in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which he won for the first time last year after a series of bankruptcies. For the first time there are also two qualifications and two races at the Caspian Sea – with this the racing series continues on its way for more spectacle and action.
Who should stop Verstappen in Baku?
The two-time world champion only seems to be able to do that himself. With two wins and one second place, the Dutchman leads in the overall standings ahead of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. The Mexican is already 15 points behind and seems to be the only serious opponent anyway. The duo’s car appears far superior to the competition from Ferrari and Mercedes, but will be put to the test in Baku. On the one hand, the course is considered very demanding, on the other hand, the risk of accidents is quite high.
What will be different this weekend?
Formula 1 decided on Tuesday to reform the weekends with a sprint race. Accordingly, the qualification for the main race on Sunday (1 p.m. / Sky) will take place in Baku for the first time on Friday afternoon. Saturday is all about the 100 kilometer sprint. There will be a new second qualifying before the short race, so practice on Saturday morning will be cancelled. All in all, the drivers only have one practice session left on Friday morning. There are six sprint weekends this year. In Baku, sprints will be held on a city circuit for the first time.
Can Nico Hulkenberg score points for Haas again?
At least that is the goal for the only German driver in the field. Most recently in Australia there were six points for seventh place. The 35-year-old returnee will also take part in a sprint for the first time in Baku, the format did not exist before his forced three-year break without a permanent cockpit. “I approach the matter with an open mind and simply accept the challenge,” said the Rhinelander from the US racing team Haas. There are also world championship counters in the sprint: the winner receives eight points, up to eighth place there are also points that can be counted.
What characterizes the route?
The biggest challenge is to set up the cars perfectly on the changeable track. The long home stretch is a challenge for engine performance. Good cornering is required in the narrow old town. At 6.003 kilometres, the Baku City Circuit is one of the longest routes on the calendar and was designed by German Hermann Tilke. Paddock and start are located directly on the promenade on the Caspian Sea. With the help of the route, the cameras should capture as many sights as possible in Baku, such as the medieval fortress and the three flame towers.
When do the training sessions, qualifying and the race take place?
It starts with the only free practice on Friday at 11:30 a.m. CEST, followed by qualifying at 3:00 p.m. CEST. On Saturday (10.30 a.m. CEST) the new sprint shootout will take place for the first time as qualifying for the subsequent sprint race at 3.30 p.m. CEST. Everything will be broadcast – also around the Grand Prix on Sunday (1.00 p.m. CEST) – by the pay channel Sky.