F1 | Charles Leclerc chasing the McLarens: live coverage of FP1 in Baku
From Monza to Azerbaijan, Formula 1 now lands on the extremely challenging Baku City Circuit, often described as Charles Leclerc’s garden. Follow our live coverage of the opening free practice session (FP1) as the drivers prepare for one of the most unpredictable weekends of the season.
After a short break, the Formula 1 circus is back in action. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be one of the toughest and most uncertain events on the calendar. FP1 marks the beginning of the weekend, a crucial moment to analyze the behavior of each car on this unique street track. The live coverage of FP1 in Baku begins at 10:25 in the video below, just ahead of the official session start at 10:30.
From Monza to Baku: a completely different challenge
After the classic high-speed layout of Monza, the championship now moves to a street circuit where drivers will face incredible top speeds and tricky corners. The Baku track combines long straights with tight 90-degree corners, before heading into the notoriously difficult second sector, where the cars brush dangerously close to the castle walls. The narrow barriers mean the Safety Car is almost always a factor to consider during the race.
Why Baku is considered Leclerc’s garden
This venue has earned the nickname “Leclerc’s garden” for good reason. Since 2021, Charles Leclerc has taken pole position here every year, often with cars that were not the fastest on the grid. Once again, the Ferrari driver will try to disrupt McLaren’s ambitions. The papaya team is on the verge of securing the constructors’ championship, but Chares Leclerc is determined to make life difficult for them on his favorite track.
As the season enters its final phase, Baku could also set the stage for the intensifying battle between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. At the same time, the other three top teams will fight fiercely for second place in the constructors’ standings.
Weather conditions for the weekend
On Friday, dry weather is expected throughout the first practice session in Baku. Teams will be able to take full advantage of the standard two hours of track time. Temperatures are forecast to reach around 25°C for FP1, creating ideal conditions for testing setups and tire performance.
Saturday brings a different picture, with a chance of rain during the third free practice session. Qualifying, however, is expected to be held on a dry track. For Sunday’s race, rain cannot be ruled out at this stage, with temperatures likely to drop to around 19°C, potentially adding further unpredictability to the Grand Prix.
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