The Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024 is gearing up to be one of the most exciting races on the Formula 1 calendar. Held on the Baku City Circuit, this race is known for delivering thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes due to its high-speed straights and tight corners. With the drivers ready for another battle, this year’s race is set to provide plenty of excitement. In this article, we’ll cover the latest qualifying results, key highlights, and predictions for the upcoming race.
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Latest Qualifying Results
Charles Leclerc stole the show in the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying, securing pole position for Ferrari with a time of 1:41.365. Leclerc was closely followed by Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who put in a stunning lap to take second place on the grid. Carlos Sainz, Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate, completed the top three, positioning Ferrari as a dominant force ahead of the race.
However, reigning champion Max Verstappen will start from sixth, having struggled with car balance during his final Q3 run. Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, performed better, securing fourth place on the grid.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris faced a major setback, being eliminated in Q1 due to an unfortunate yellow flag incident that left him out of contention for pole (PlanetF1).
Baku City Circuit: A Unique Challenge
The Baku City Circuit is one of the most distinctive tracks on the Formula 1 calendar, combining the narrow streets of Baku’s historic center with long straights along the Caspian Sea. It’s known for its:
- High-speed straights: The longest straight in F1, offering multiple overtaking opportunities.
- Tricky corners: Tight, narrow turns near the old city walls that demand precision driving.
- Unpredictability: The circuit often sees safety cars and dramatic late-race incidents, making strategy a key factor.
The mix of these elements has made Baku famous for chaotic races, with drivers needing a balance of aggression and caution.
Key Drivers to Watch
- Charles Leclerc: Starting from pole, Leclerc is in a prime position to secure a win for Ferrari. However, he will need to fend off challenges from McLaren and Red Bull.
- Oscar Piastri: After a strong qualifying performance, Piastri is expected to push for his first podium finish of the season, making McLaren a dark horse contender in this race.
- Max Verstappen: Despite starting from sixth, Verstappen’s relentless pace and Red Bull’s race strategy could see him climb through the field and challenge for victory.
- Sergio Perez: Consistently strong in street races, Perez will be one to watch as he aims to capitalize on any mistakes from the front-runners.
Race Predictions
Given the unique characteristics of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, here’s what we predict:
- Charles Leclerc has the advantage of starting from pole, but his win will depend on maintaining clean laps and avoiding the infamous Baku incidents.
- Max Verstappen, although starting from sixth, is likely to fight back with Red Bull’s race pace and smart tire strategy. Expect him to challenge for a podium finish.
- The midfield battle between McLaren, Aston Martin, and Mercedes will be crucial. With Oscar Piastri on the front row, McLaren has a real chance of a podium, but they will have to fend off Mercedes’ late-race pace.
Recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix Highlights
- 2021: The Azerbaijan GP saw chaos with Max Verstappen crashing out due to a tire failure while leading the race. Sergio Perez claimed victory after Lewis Hamilton locked up at the restart.
- 2017: A dramatic race with a clash between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, leading to Daniel Ricciardo securing an unlikely win after starting 10th on the grid.
The unpredictable nature of the Baku City Circuit has led to multiple winners and unexpected podium finishes over the years. This year is likely to be no different, with strategy and timing playing crucial roles in determining the race’s outcome.
Where to Watch
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024 will take place on September 15, 2024, with the race starting at 12:00 PM (local time). You can catch the live race on Sky Sports F1 for UK viewers or check your local listings for coverage. Highlights will be available on Channel 4 later in the evening (Top Gear)
Conclusion
The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises an action-packed race, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc starting on pole and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen aiming to recover from sixth. With unpredictable corners, high-speed straights, and frequent incidents, anything can happen on the streets of Baku. Whether you’re a Ferrari fan, a Red Bull supporter, or a neutral viewer, this race is set to be one of the highlights of the 2024 season.
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