Last time out treated you to the thoughts of ChatGPT. This time, as I'm quite busy with work, I've decide to ask MS CoPilot to write the preview. I promise this is the last effort with AI as it's a bit soulless.
Expect a fierce battle between McLaren and Red Bull, with Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen all in contention. Strategy, weather, and intra-team dynamics will be decisive. And don’t rule out a surprise — Baku has a history of chaos.
References
[1] Azerbaijan Grand Prix Preview: Verstappen’s Revival & Title Contenders ...
[2] How McLaren can wrap up the 2025 F1 constructors' title in Azerbaijan GP
[3] F1: Five Storylines To Look Out for at the 2025 Azerbaijan GP
[4] Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Preview - Pirelli
[5] F1 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weather forecast - latest from Baku
[6] Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 - F1 Race - Formula 1
- Oscar Piastri leads the Drivers’ Championship with 324 points, ahead of teammate Lando Norris (293) and Max Verstappen (230)[1].
- McLaren is on the brink of clinching the Constructors’ title. If they score nine more points than Ferrari, they’ll seal back-to-back championships in Baku[2].
- The fallout from Monza — where McLaren controversially swapped Piastri and Norris — still lingers. How the team manages its drivers this weekend could shape the rest of the season[3].
- Verstappen’s Resurgence: Fresh off a dominant win at Monza, Verstappen is back in form and could challenge for victory on a track that suits Red Bull’s power unit[1].
- McLaren’s Internal Rivalry: Piastri returns to the site of his 2024 win, while Norris — strong on street circuits — looks to reclaim momentum. Their battle could define the race[3].
- Ferrari’s Pole King: Charles Leclerc has taken pole in Baku four years running but has yet to win. Can he finally convert qualifying dominance into victory?[4].
- Pirelli brings its softest compounds (C6, C5, C4), opening up the possibility of two-stop strategies — a shift from last year’s one-stoppers[4].
- Baku’s layout — with long straights and tight corners — creates extreme tyre temperature swings, making setup and strategy crucial.
- Friday Practice: High humidity (62%) and up to 51% chance of rain.
- Qualifying: Cooler conditions with only 10% chance of rain.
- Race Day (Sunday): Dry and calm, 10% chance of rain, 21°C, ideal for slick tyres[5].
- The Baku City Circuit is 6.003 km long with 20 corners, including the ultra-narrow castle section and a massive main straight where cars hit over 350 km/h[6].
- Safety Cars are common due to the unforgiving nature of the street layout.
- George Russell (4th in standings) could capitalize on any frontrunner missteps.
- Williams’ Alex Albon and Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto are in strong form and could shake up the midfield[3].
Expect a fierce battle between McLaren and Red Bull, with Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen all in contention. Strategy, weather, and intra-team dynamics will be decisive. And don’t rule out a surprise — Baku has a history of chaos.References
[1] Azerbaijan Grand Prix Preview: Verstappen’s Revival & Title Contenders ...
[2] How McLaren can wrap up the 2025 F1 constructors' title in Azerbaijan GP
[3] F1: Five Storylines To Look Out for at the 2025 Azerbaijan GP
[4] Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Preview - Pirelli
[5] F1 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weather forecast - latest from Baku
[6] Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 - F1 Race - Formula 1
