Watch Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Practice 2 Free.

What's at Stake

The second practice session at the Baku City Circuit is crucial for teams to optimize their aerodynamic setups, balancing high downforce in the tight castle section with low drag for the massive two-kilometer main straight. With championship battles intensifying as the season progresses, securing precise data on tyre degradation and race-trim pace during this session is vital for qualifying and Sunday's grand prix strategy. Any mistakes on this unforgiving street circuit can severely disrupt a team's weekend program and compromise their championship aspirations.

Form Guide

Heading into Baku, the grid remains highly competitive with multiple teams demonstrating front-running pace on street circuits. Recent races have shown a tight battle at the top of both the Drivers' and Constructors' standings, making the search for optimal straight-line speed and braking stability a critical differentiator. Teams are looking to build on their Practice 1 baselines, fine-tuning their setups to combat the rapidly evolving track grip and high track temperatures typical of this venue.

Key Players to Watch

• Charles Leclerc — Renowned for his exceptional qualifying pace around street circuits, his ability to find the limit close to the Baku walls will be key to Ferrari's setup direction.
• Max Verstappen — The reigning champion will be focused on maximizing top-speed efficiency and finding the perfect balance to keep his car stable under heavy braking.
• Oscar Piastri — Having shown strong adaptability on street tracks, his feedback on tyre wear during the long-run simulations will be crucial for his team's race strategy.

Prediction

Expect Red Bull and Ferrari to lead the timesheets as they dial in their low-drag configurations during the qualifying simulation runs. Ferrari is predicted to edge out the fastest single-lap time of the session due to their strong traction out of slow corners, while Red Bull will likely display the most consistent pace during the high-fuel long runs. Ultimately, the session will conclude with minimal gaps between the top three teams, setting up a highly competitive weekend.