After each Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, offering you an exclusive and playful digital recap of the race weekend. Reporter Gerard Bos updates you from Baku!
Why Baku is a Gem on the F1 Calendar
Anyone who says that street circuits are always dull and artificial clearly hasn’t paid close attention to Formula 1 in Baku. The Baku City Circuit is anything but a drab concrete bowl. Of course, traditional tracks like Monza or Silverstone have a rich history, but that doesn’t mean that new circuits are inherently inferior. On the contrary: Baku proves time and again that a modern city race can be a spectacular addition.
Take this weekend’s qualification: no less than six red flags! It caused so much delay that the session lasted longer than a full Grand Prix in Italy. That might sound chaotic, but it’s precisely this chaos that Formula 1 fans sometimes crave.
Drivers in Baku are harshly penalized for a mistake, walls are lurking everywhere, and overtaking is often a matter of millimeters. In addition, the cars tear through the heart of the city at top speeds of over 340 km/h. It’s a bizarre, yet simultaneously unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
In short: anyone who dismisses Baku as a superfluous street circuit is missing the charm. It’s precisely these kinds of races that show that innovation doesn’t have to come at the expense of spectacle. No wonder the contract has been extended until 2030.
Highlights in Baku
The Quote from Max Verstappen
“We have, of course, experienced many beautiful moments together. And when you go through a difficult period, it’s not pleasant. But it’s even more beautiful when you get through those bad moments with everyone. It builds confidence, it’s important that people see light at the end of the tunnel. And that what they are doing is okay. We have, of course, had many discussions, debates about how we can adjust things, how we can test things. And we have handled all of that well together. And then you can fine-tune things more during a weekend. That way, you go into the qualification with a much better reference. But making up a 69-point difference in seven races, that’s quite a lot. I’m taking it race by race. I just want to do my best and score as many points as possible. Then we’ll see. But I’m feeling good about it.”
TOP & FLOP
Who excelled and who fell short during the race weekend in Azerbaijan? Here are our top and flop picks from Baku!
TOP
Max Verstappen
An original choice? Not at all. A justified choice? Absolutely. If anyone was at the top of their game – we mean, TOP in capital letters – it was Max Verstappen. He did so much more in Baku than just winning a Grand Prix. In addition to the victory, the Dutchman also secured the pole position, drove the fastest lap, and led the entire race – a Grand Slam, as it’s called in Formula 1. And as if that wasn’t enough to be named the absolute standout of the weekend, Verstappen single-handedly revived his title chances with his result in Baku. Yes, making up 69 points in the remaining seven race weekends is a lot. But if there’s anyone who could do it with the revitalized Red Bull… It’s him, indeed. Game on!
FLOP: Oscar Piastri
Rarely has it been so clear this season who the biggest loser of the Grand Prix is. What should have been a weekend for McLaren to celebrate the constructor’s title turned into a veritable nightmare, thanks to Oscar Piastri. He crashed into the wall during the qualifying round on Saturday, and again during the opening round of the race on Sunday. This not only disadvantaged his team, but primarily himself. Is the pressure suddenly getting to the Australian? He can consider himself lucky that his teammate and rival, Lando Norris, only scored six points in Baku and thus barely benefited from this festival of errors. However, Piastri has been warned: he cannot afford weekends like this in his pursuit of his first Formula 1 title.
BEHIND THE SCENES
A look behind the scenes at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix!
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Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Max Verstappen Dominates in Baku, Piastri Crashes
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Three Questions for… Alan Permane
‘In my view, his greatest strength is his willingness to learn and his openness’
The team boss of Racing Bulls shares his perspective on the potential promotion of Isack Hadjar to Red Bull
Speculations on Red Bull’s Driver Lineup
There has been weeks of speculation, even here in Baku, about the seats at Red Bull: Isack Hadjar, one of your drivers at Racing Bulls, is presumably going to be Max Verstappen‘s new teammate. What do you think are Isack’s main qualities?
“First and foremost, Isack is incredibly fast. That’s where it starts, because without pure speed, other qualities don’t count. What I really appreciate about him is his willingness to listen and take advice. He doesn’t insist on doing everything his own way at all costs. Isack knows that he has only driven sixteen races in Formula 1, so he also knows that he can learn a lot from others. Sometimes he might be a bit hard on himself, but he’s working on that. In my eyes, his greatest strength is his willingness to learn and his openness.”
But the logical follow-up question is: is Isack ready for a step up to Red Bull Racing?
“That’s hard to say right now. Fortunately, we don’t have to make that decision at this moment. That will come naturally. What’s important is that we ensure everything is perfectly arranged for Isack, so he can bring out the best in himself and perform flawlessly. If the car is good, the circuit suits him, and he does what he is capable of? Then we’ll see how strong he can be this season.”
Liam Lawson is also still in the picture. What does he need to do to drive for you again next year?
“Essentially the same as Isack, and as all the other drivers in the field. Have a perfect weekend. No one is bringing upgrades anymore, so we’re working with what we have. For Liam and his engineers, the task is to set up the car as well as possible every race weekend, so he can perform at his best. Ultimately, he has to prove himself on the track.”
Formula 1 Podcast
Together with reporter Gerard Bos, we look back from Baku on a wildly unpredictable Formula 1 weekend in Azerbaijan. Max Verstappen clinches both pole position and victory, Oscar Piastri experiences a disastrous weekend, and Lando Norris fails to maximize his performance. We discuss George Russell, who despite being ill, drives strongly to P2, Carlos Sainz who steers Williams to the podium, and… yes, the cat that causes chaos in the paddock. Everything you need to know, you’ll hear it here!
Next Grand Prix: Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
The Grand Prix of Singapore: A Highlight of the Formula 1 Season
The Grand Prix of Singapore is a staple on the Formula 1 calendar and is renowned as the season’s premier night race. The Marina Bay Street Circuit, with its tight corners and scarce overtaking opportunities, presents a significant challenge for the drivers. Since its inaugural race in 2008, the event has become famous for its unique atmosphere: the streets are bathed in the light of thousands of lamps, creating a spectacular backdrop. Combined with the tropical heat, high humidity, and the character of a street circuit, this makes Singapore one of the most physically demanding races of the year.
Schedule for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix
Friday, October 3
- First practice session: 03:30 – 04:30 UTC
- Second practice session: 07:00 – 08:00 UTC
Saturday, October 4
- Third practice session: 03:30 – 04:30 UTC
- Qualification: 07:00 – 08:00 UTC
Sunday, October 5
- Race: 06:00 UTC
