The European races are behind us and Formula 1 is preparing for an exciting return to Azerbaijan this Sunday, September 15. With two-thirds of the championship already completed, the competition promises to intensify as the drivers battle for glory in each race.
Since its debut in 2016, the Baku circuit has been the scene of unforgettable moments, intense battles and unexpected surprises. We remember, for example, how in 2017 Valtteri Bottas managed to snatch second place just a few meters from the finish line. Or the dramatic incident in 2019, when Charles Leclerc lost pole position after an unfortunate mistake in a corner, which led him to crash.
Circuit: Baku
Distance: 306 km
Laps: 51
The most recent winner was Charles Leclerc in Monza, Italy, giving Ferrari its first victory since Monaco.
Verstappen, meanwhile, remains in a drought since the Spanish Grand Prix last June. However, he has managed to stay on or near the podium, thus guaranteeing the points that keep him as leader in the overall standings.
On the other hand, Lando Norris has become the driver to follow. His outstanding recent performances have put him in the spotlight and given him the opportunity to fight for the lead, a goal that seemed distant a few weeks ago. At Monza, Norris took pole position and a subsequent third place, reducing his gap to Verstappen to 62 points.
Table of positions of drivers
| Position | Name | Country | Racing team | Score |
| #1 | Max Verstappen | Netherlands | Red Bull | 303 |
| #2 | Lando Norris | Great Britain | McLaren | 241 |
| #3 | Charles Leclerc | Monaco | Ferrari | 217 |
| #4 | Oscar Piastri | Australia | McLaren | 197 |
| #5 | Carlos Sainz | Spain | Ferrari | 184 |
In the constructors' standings, Red Bull continues to lead with 446 points, although McLaren Mercedes is getting closer and closer, accumulating 437 points. Ferrari, in a solid third place, also looks threatening with 407 points.
Further back, Mercedes completes the top 5 with 292 points and Aston Martin with 74 points.
Forecasts
As the season progresses, predicting the winner at each circuit is becoming increasingly complicated, and there is no guarantee that any team will hold the lead.
Baku is no exception, since its arrival in Formula 1 in 2016, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most unpredictable events on the calendar.
For this Sunday's race, the British Lando Norris is the main favorite, with a significant advantage in the odds over his pursuer Charles Leclerc. Oscar Piastri is in third place in the betting, very close to Leclerc.
Surprisingly, Max Verstappen is the fourth favorite, reflecting how his erratic performance has put his dominance in doubt. Despite this, in forward betting, Verstappen remains the favorite to win the championship, being the only one with a negative odds.
As for the constructors' championship, the scales have tipped in favor of the McLaren team, which now leads the betting with a negative odds. Red Bull, previously the favorite, has lost ground, while Ferrari and Mercedes are the other leading options in the betting.
Max and Charles own the streets 👊
With three street races to go in 2024, who takes the crown? 👑#F1#F1 pic.twitter.com/wXlNpLhQXZ
- Formula 1 (@F1) September 9, 2024
