F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix preview: Racing near Medieval walls on city streets

The F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix is held from September 13 to 15 in Baku, the capital city. The event kicked off Friday with Free Practice 1 (FP1) and Free Practice 2 (FP2), which found humid temperatures, a slippery city street circuit, and three red flags during FP1. This is the 17th of 24 Grand Prix races in the F1 2024 schedule. FP3 and the Qualifying session are on Saturday, and the Grand Prix is on Sunday.

Why the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is important

Following the exciting Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago, unexpectedly won by home-track Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, the 2024 F1 Driver and Constructors Championships are both still up for grabs, a surprising state of affairs after Red Bull’s dominance early in the season. Points earned by the drivers determine both championships, and the point count is close among the top contenders.

Every race matters in F1 racing, but driver and team morale can also make a difference. The momentum of winning can be a significant factor in subsequent races. After Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the season’s first four races, many thought Verstappen and Red Bull would sweep 2024’s top spots as they did the three previous years.

Red Bull and Verstappen are still ahead in points. However, the McLaren and Ferrari teams have narrowed the gap in team points to less than 40 points. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc threaten Verstappen’s fourth championship.

What to expect in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a city circuit on regular streets lined by protective barriers for the race. The picturesque 3.7-mile circuit passes close to stone Medieval walls and stunningly designed modern buildings in the seaside city. It varies in width from six to two lanes and has two lengthy straits that allow some of the fastest speeds in the F1 season.

F1 2024 team and driver standings

Constructor Championship Points:

Driver Championship Points: