The 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to deliver intense emotions in Formula 1, with Max Verstappen starting from pole position, McLaren and Ferrari attempting to recover, and unexpected names emerging as candidates for the podium. After a chaotic qualifying session marked by six red flags, the grid has been shuffled, opening up opportunities for significant surprises on the streets of Baku. Here are five key points that could define the race on Sunday.
1. Verstappen seeking consecutive victories
Max Verstappen secured his sixth pole position of the season with an impeccable lap in Q3, despite treacherous track conditions and strong winds. The Dutch driver has already won three races in 2025, including a dominant performance in Monza, and now has the chance to achieve his first consecutive victory of the year. If he can start cleanly and maintain the strong pace he showed in full-tank runs during practice, the Red Bull driver has everything to fight for the win.
2. Sainz and Lawson eyeing the podium
Carlos Sainz surprised everyone by placing his Williams on the front row, alongside Verstappen. The Spanish driver acknowledged that he sees a real chance of securing a podium finish, mainly because behind him is Liam Lawson, of the Racing Bulls, another name that promises to give trouble. The New Zealander was on a positive streak before the summer break and has a competitive car that can hold off the Mercedes that start right behind. This direct dispute may be decisive for the outcome.
3. McLaren in recovery mode
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris made mistakes in qualifying and will start only ninth and seventh, respectively. As a result, the two main rivals in the drivers’ championship will have to climb through the field in search of important points. McLaren has shown strong performance in race pace, but their grid position increases the risks of incidents and complicated strategic decisions. It will also be an internal duel, as Piastri starts right behind his teammate.
4. Ferrari trying to react
Ferrari seemed capable of fighting for pole after practice, but everything fell apart in qualifying. Lewis Hamilton failed to advance to Q3, while Charles Leclerc crashed before setting a fast lap. Both will start outside the top 10, but their race pace was encouraging and could put the team back in contention for the podium. Hamilton highlighted improvements in brake setup and remains optimistic, while Leclerc, a previous winner in Baku, is counting on the chaos of the race to recover.
5. Unstable weather and chance of more chaos
Qualifying was already marked by nearly two hours of interruptions, reflecting the strong gusts of wind and treacherous track. For the race, the forecast points to strong winds again and even a possibility of light rain. This could make every corner unpredictable, as in the case of the accidents involving Albon and Piastri on Saturday. Historically, Baku has delivered agitated races, and with the shuffled grid, there are even more chances of a chaotic Sunday.
The 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place on Sunday at 8:00 AM Brasilia time (GMT -3).
