Azerbaijan GP: The Max Factor or Cornering Prowess – who will score points in Baku?

What can we expect from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix? This weekend in Baku, Formula 1 kicks off a triple-header that’s set to be a real cracker (Baku/Malaysia/Singapore), with the Grand Prix taking place as early as Saturday! What can we expect in the urban canyons of the Azerbaijani capital? Who’s in the lead in Baku? Christian Klien, an expert at ServusTV – which is broadcasting the race weekend in Austria – provides his analysis.

There’ll be overtaking again!

First, the good news for anyone who found the Spanish Grand Prix a bit dull: we’re likely to see some overtaking action again in Baku. ServusTV expert and former F1 driver Christian Klien (49 GPs) predicts: “Unlike in Madrid, however, we can also expect some overtaking manoeuvres.” Furthermore, in nine races in Baku, the pole-sitter has only won three times.

Klien sees McLaren as strong

2025 World Champion Lando Norris started from pole in Madrid just under two weeks ago, but then missed out on victory due to a Virtual Safety Car period that proved unfortunate for him. What are the Briton’s chances in Baku? Klien: “Baku could suit the McLaren because of the many right-angle corners.”

Red Bull Racing and the ‘Max factor’

Klien: “Red Bull only has the third-fastest car. But that’s where the ‘Max factor’ comes into play. He consistently delivers perfect races. You can see what the car is actually capable of by looking at Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson. They always find themselves at the back of the top teams.” In the past three races, Liam Lawson – who is actually with the Racing Bulls – had replaced Isack Hadjar because the Frenchman had injured his wrist. Hadjar is back for the race in Baku, though.

Klien on Verstappen at the Caspian Sea: “Street circuits without run-off areas are naturally right up Max’s street. But with the hybrid cars, the risk is lower because you lift off the throttle 50 metres before the corner to recover energy.” Max Verstappen won last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. With two victories to his name, he is also one of the most successful drivers on the Baku City Circuit (alongside Sergio Perez). With five wins in Baku, Red Bull Racing is traditionally the top team in Azerbaijan.

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And Ferrari?

Speaking about Ferrari’s rivals, ServusTV expert Klien says: “At times, it looks as though they could be in contention for the World Championship. But then mistakes happen in the race or the drivers – every one of whom wants to be number one – slip up. All these factors are reflected in the title race. Ferrari are certainly no longer in the running for the World Championship.” Lewis Hamilton is 101 points behind his successor at Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli. Mathematically, he’s still right in the thick of the title fight – but realistically speaking, probably not. Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc seems to be jinxed in Baku: he’s started from pole here four times – but has never won.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix on TV