Formula 1. Azerbaijan Grand Prix: McLaren driver duel expected, Verstappen as referee
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix begins this weekend in Baku. Once again, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are the favorites. But watch out for Max Verstappen, who intends to build on his victory at Monza.
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Once again, the battle will rage between Lando Norris (left), Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri (right). Photo Sipa/Luca Bruno
Australian Oscar Piastri and Briton Lando Norris are expected to continue the McLaren duel for the drivers' title this weekend on the streets of Baku, but as in Monza two weeks ago, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) could play the role of referee. The four-time reigning world champion arrives in Azerbaijan full of confidence after his unexpected victory in Italy , where he held his own against the papaya-colored cars after snatching pole position.
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The Baku track, however, is not one of the Dutchman's favorites, having only won once in seven participations, in 2022, notably with a collection of retirements (three). He will therefore be keen to make up for it this season on a circuit where he has never managed to take pole. "Monza was an incredible race for us and we made good progress. This victory brought extra motivation for everyone. In Baku, we will have to find the right compromise for the car's setup. I hope we can build on our current good form to continue to perform well," explained Verstappen.
The two McLaren drivers will continue their battle for the title. With a 31-point lead over Norris, Piastri is under less pressure than his teammate. Very consistent this season with 14 podiums in 16 Grands Prix, the Australian, winner in Baku last year, is approaching this 17th round of the season with confidence. "I have very good memories of Baku. It's one of my favorite races, and it's always an advantage to return to a track where you achieved a good result. My only goal is to repeat that this weekend. I'm the championship leader and very satisfied with my driving," said Piastri.
At Monza, Norris was back to smiling after his retirement in the Netherlands due to an engine problem and he will try to pick up a few points on his teammate in Baku, as he did in Italy.
Azerbaijan GP program
Friday: 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Free practice 1
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Free practice 2
Saturday: 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Free practice 3
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: qualifications
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.: start of the Grand Prix (51 laps of the 6.003 km circuit or two hours of racing)
The stakes are double for McLaren this weekend, as the British team could clinch its tenth Constructors' World Championship, and its second in a row. The Woking, England-based team, which has dominated the championship this year, has a good chance of winning seven rounds before the end of the season. A second one-two finish, a victory, and a third-place finish, among other scenarios, could see McLaren crowned as early as Sunday.
Ferrari will be counting on Charles Leclerc to shine on the streets of Baku. The Monegasque driver has secured the last four pole positions in Azerbaijan, but he's still chasing his first victory on the shores of the Caspian Sea. "I'm aiming for victory, and we've seen in recent years that starting from pole doesn't guarantee you a win. But it's going to be difficult because McLaren will once again be faster, and Red Bull is in good shape too," he warned.
Six-time British world champion Lewis Hamilton , who is still chasing his first Grand Prix podium with the Scuderia , will have his work cut out for him to stand out on a track where he has only won once in eight visits.
On the French side, the weekend promises to be another difficult one for Alpine, last in the constructors' standings and with no miracles to expect from the final races after having bet everything on the 2026 car and the new regulations. "The end of the season is going to be difficult, but that doesn't mean we won't have opportunities to seize. We have to optimize the car we have," Pierre Gasly told French media on Thursday. Esteban Ocon 's Haas team is quite unpredictable, so it's difficult to know if it will be in contention in Azerbaijan.
Finally, novice Isack Hadjar , strong from his podium in the Netherlands and his fine comeback to snatch a point at Monza, will not be calculating in the cockpit of his Racing Bulls, a regular single-seater which could allow him to score points this weekend.
Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace
