Watch Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the Formula 1 paddock arrives in Baku, the opening practice session represents a critical opportunity for teams to dial in their aerodynamic setups on one of the calendar's most demanding street circuits. With the championship battles intensifying in the latter half of the season, mastering the transition between the ultra-long start-finish straight and the tight, dusty castle section is vital for maximizing weekend points. Getting clean running in this session is essential for establishing a baseline setup and avoiding the barriers that have historically disrupted preparation here.

Form Guide

Recent rounds have highlighted a highly competitive grid, with multiple teams demonstrating the pace to challenge for race victories and podium finishes. Momentum has fluctuated between the top contenders as development packages yield varying results on different circuit profiles. Baku's unique combination of low-drag straightaways and slow 90-degree corners will test which teams have the most versatile aerodynamic packages and the best mechanical grip on low-abrasion asphalt.

Key Players to Watch

• Charles Leclerc — Renowned for his exceptional qualifying pace around street circuits, the Ferrari driver has a formidable track record in Baku and will look to establish his dominance early on.
• Max Verstappen — The reigning champion always demands precision from his car, and his ability to quickly find the limit on dusty, low-grip surfaces makes him the benchmark for Friday running.
• Oscar Piastri — Showing immense growth and composure on high-speed street tracks, the McLaren driver will be eager to find his rhythm quickly and assert himself at the front of the field.

Prediction

Expect a highly cautious start to the session as drivers grapple with a green, dusty track surface that offers minimal initial grip. Red Bull and McLaren are likely to lead the early timesheets as they focus on low-downforce configurations, while several drivers will inevitably run wide into the Turn 1 and Turn 3 escape roads. Ultimately, Ferrari's strong mechanical traction should see them top the session by a narrow margin as the track rubber-ins in the final minutes.