The Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix is expected to be dry with no extreme temperatures next weekend, but the race in Baku will have another weather factor to watch closely: the wind. Gusts can reach up to 55 km/h over the weekend.
This condition deserves attention because cars of the current generation can be especially sensitive to abrupt changes in wind intensity. With forecasts indicating strong winds mainly on Friday, teams may face a major variable in preparing for the qualifying session and the race.
According to the weather forecast, Thursday, when the two opening practice sessions take place, is expected to have partly cloudy skies and daytime temperatures around 30°C. The chance of rain is only 8%, while winds should come from the southeast at about 17 km/h, potentially reaching 50 km/h overnight.
On Friday, the day of FP3 and the qualifying session, the situation is expected to become more complicated. The forecast high is around 25°C, with only a 6% chance of rain, but northerly winds may vary between 40 and 55 km/h throughout the day. At night, the forecast calls for a drop to around 20°C and gusts of up to 50 km/h.
Saturday, race day, is expected to present more stable conditions. The forecast indicates predominantly sunny skies, a temperature around 27°C, only a 5% chance of rain and winds from the northeast between 15 and 30 km/h. During the night, the chance of rain drops to 3%.
