Back to Baku

Two-thirds of the season down, and the European leg done with, Formula 1 kicks off the final act of this season with a double-header in Azerbaijan and Singapore.

Here are a few emerging storylines to keep at the back of your mind as F1 heads to Baku.

McLaren Pecking Order

The Formula 1 season has been a rollercoaster ride, with the competitive order constantly shifting. From Red Bull’s early dominance to McLaren’s recent resurgence, and even Ferrari’s intermittent strong performances, predicting the outcome of each race has become increasingly challenging.

This unpredictability has led to much discussion about team orders at McLaren, especially given their current position in the championship.

Lando Norris, starting from pole in Monza, had a golden opportunity to close the gap to championship leader Max Verstappen from Red Bull. However, being overtaken by his teammate Oscar Piastri on the first lap and finishing behind him, Norris missed a crucial chance to gain ground.

Norris admirably said ‘I’m not here just to beg for someone to let me past’ when asked whether team mate Oscar Piastri should now be helping his title challenge.

However, Piastri has suggested he’s open to playing such a role, sitting 106 points behind Verstappen compared to Norris’s gap of 62.

McLaren Team principal Andrea Stella also suggested the situation would be looked at, as both championships are now realistic for the team to target.

Ferrari Following Through

Ferrari, like McLaren, are also becoming increasingly competitive in the constructors’ championship. While McLaren narrowed the gap to Red Bull by eight points in Monza, Ferrari’s victory, coupled with Sainz’s fourth-place finish, means they remain 39 points behind the constructors’ lead.

Ferrari experienced a difficult period after a disappointing upgrade at the Spanish Grand Prix, but they have since recovered with back-to-back podiums and a recent update.

Azerbaijan is a venue where Ferrari have traditionally excelled, particularly Charles Leclerc, who has secured pole position here for the past three years, including both the Sprint and Grand Prix last season.

The new floor introduced in the previous race will be tested in Baku, providing a clearer indication of Ferrari’s ability to compete for multiple victories in the remaining races.

The track’s characteristics, with its long straights and tight corners, could suit Ferrari’s car and driving style, further enhancing their chances of success.

Beyond the track, Ferrari’s strategic approach and pit stops will also play a crucial role in determining their performance. The team has shown improvement in these areas recently, and if they can maintain this momentum, they could be a serious contender for the championship.

Red Bull Rebound?

The drivers’ and constructors’ championship leaders, who haven’t won a race since Verstappen held off Norris at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, are going to be looking to regain their lost form. The Baku City Circuit, even in their early-season form, could have been challenging due to its street-track characteristics.

Another tough weekend here could further hinder the team’s hopes in Singapore.

Verstappen’s dominant start, winning six of eight races and both Sprints, initially seemed to give him an insurmountable lead. However, the defending champion now admits that both championships are currently unrealistic due to the RB20’s struggles.

He has urged Red Bull to make drastic changes to try and regain the car’s earlier performance, although he acknowledges that reverting to the previous specification is unlikely to be the solution given the gains made by rivals.

Zandvoort was an exercise in limiting damage for Verstappen, who finished second to Norris, and Red Bull had limited time to react before Monza.

The two-week gap before Baku offers a better chance to analyse data and find solutions.

Raceability

The lack of ‘raceability’ in the current generation of Formula 1 cars has been a recurring issue.

Overtaking has proven difficult, and drivers have complained about the lack of free air.

The Baku City Circuit, with its long straights and tight corners, could provide a challenging environment for overtaking.

Heading to the F1 Azerbaijan GP, it will be interesting to see if there’s an impact, especially since the last time F1 raced in Baku, the race was simply not that exciting.

Bearman’s back

Ollie Bearman, who made his Formula 1 debut earlier this season filling in for Carlos Sainz, will have another opportunity to showcase his skills this weekend. Racing for Haas in place of the suspended Kevin Magnussen, Bearman will draw on his experience from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Magnussen’s one-race ban, resulting from accumulating 12 penalty points in a year, has opened the door for Bearman to step up from Formula 2 to Formula 1.

While Bearman will be driving a less competitive car and racing on another challenging street circuit, he has little to lose. The experience he gains this weekend will be invaluable as he prepares for a full-time Formula 1 campaign next season.