Next F1 race: see the date for the Azerbaijan GP on Baku’s streets with McLaren in the lead
Formula 1 arrives in Baku for the Azerbaijan GP, the 17th race of the 2025 season, from September 19 to 21, on the challenging Baku City Circuit. The race, set for Sunday at 8 a.m. Brasília time, promises to intensify the championship battle, led by McLaren with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the top of the drivers’ standings. With only eight races left, the Azeri event is crucial for teams, especially after Max Verstappen’s win in the Italian GP. Broadcast by Band and Bandsports, the race takes place on a track known for its mix of long straights and tight sectors, where mistakes are costly. McLaren, the current constructors’ champion, aims to solidify its lead in a circuit that has delivered iconic victories.
The event, held in September for the second time, establishes Baku as one of the most demanding street circuits on the calendar. Since its debut in 2016 as the European GP, the track has been the stage for unpredictable races, with six different winners in seven editions. The shift to the second half of the year, started in 2024, brought new logistical and strategic challenges for teams.
- Key highlights of the Azerbaijan GP:
- 6.003 km circuit with 51 laps, known for overtaking on the main straight.
- Oscar Piastri, current championship leader, won the 2024 edition.
- Sergio Pérez is the race’s top winner, with two victories.
- McLaren leads the constructors’ championship with 617 points.
Baku circuit challenges drivers with unique layout
The 6.003 km Baku City Circuit combines a main straight over 2 km long, ideal for overtaking, with narrow, winding sectors, especially through the historic Icheri Sheher area. The layout demands a delicate balance between speed and grip, forcing teams to choose between low drag for the straight or higher downforce for the corners. Mistakes in the medieval sector near the city walls often lead to crashes, as seen in past races. The track, which debuted in 2016, has hosted historic moments, like Daniel Ricciardo’s surprise win in 2017 and Sergio Pérez’s dominance in 2021 and 2023.
The 2025 edition arrives with McLaren riding high after securing the 2024 constructors’ title in Abu Dhabi. Oscar Piastri, who won in Baku last year, leads the drivers’ championship with 324 points, followed by Lando Norris with 293. Max Verstappen, from Red Bull, sits third with 230 points and aims to close the gap in a circuit where he has previously triumphed.
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Schedule and broadcast ensure fan access
The Azerbaijan GP schedule kicks off on Friday, September 19, with free practice 1 and 2 at 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively, Brasília time. On Saturday, free practice 3 is at 5:30 a.m., followed by qualifying at 9 a.m., setting the starting grid. The race on Sunday, September 21, starts at 8 a.m. Band broadcasts the qualifying and race on free-to-air TV, while Bandsports covers all practice sessions and qualifying on cable. The ge.globo portal provides real-time coverage with analysis and live updates.
- Full Azerbaijan GP 2025 schedule:
- Friday, 09/19: Free practice 1 (5:30 a.m.) and Free practice 2 (9 a.m.).
- Saturday, 09/20: Free practice 3 (5:30 a.m.) and Qualifying (9 a.m.).
- Sunday, 09/21: Race (8 a.m.).
- Broadcast: Band (qualifying and race), Bandsports (practice and qualifying), ge.globo (real-time).
The broadcast accessibility reflects the growing interest in Formula 1 in Brazil, where the sport has gained viewership, especially with the rise of drivers like Lando Norris and the debut of Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber in 2025.
Azerbaijan GP history reveals unpredictability
Since its 2016 debut as the European GP, the Baku circuit has established itself as one of Formula 1’s most unpredictable tracks. The 2017 race, for instance, saw Daniel Ricciardo’s unexpected Red Bull victory amid incidents involving Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. Sergio Pérez, with wins in 2021 and 2023, is the top victor, while Oscar Piastri’s 2024 triumph secured McLaren’s constructors’ lead. The mix of long straights and tight corners makes tire strategy critical, with teams often opting for medium and hard compounds to handle the abrasive asphalt.
The 2025 race will be the ninth Azerbaijan GP, now a fan-favorite event. The shift to September, started in 2024, was driven by calendar adjustments to group races by region, reducing emissions and logistical costs. Baku, alongside circuits like Monaco and Singapore, stands out for its urban atmosphere and technical challenges.
- Historical Azerbaijan GP winners:
- 2016 (European GP): Nico Rosberg (Mercedes).
- 2017: Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull).
- 2018: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).
- 2019: Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes).
- 2021: Sergio Pérez (Red Bull).
- 2023: Sergio Pérez (Red Bull).
- 2024: Oscar Piastri (McLaren).
McLaren leads, but rivals promise fierce competition
McLaren heads to the 2025 Azerbaijan GP as the clear leader, with 617 points in the constructors’ championship, followed by Ferrari with 280 and Mercedes with 260. In the drivers’ standings, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris dominate, but Max Verstappen of Red Bull remains a constant threat, especially on tracks favoring straight-line speed. Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc, and Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton, also aim to gain ground in Baku, where setup choices can make or break the race.
The 2025 season, with 24 races, maintains the record number of events set in 2024. After Baku, Formula 1 heads to Singapore on October 5, ramping up the championship’s final stretch. Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut and Gabriel Bortoleto’s arrival at Sauber add excitement, particularly for Brazilian fans welcoming a driver back to the grid.
Baku preparations heighten weekend expectations
Baku, known for its blend of modernity and history, transforms during the GP, with the circuit weaving through the historic center and waterfront. The event expects thousands of spectators, with the Absheron grandstand offering prime views of the main straight and the Icheri Sheher grandstand ideal for the track’s most technical section. The race also boosts the local economy, with hotels and restaurants packed throughout the weekend.
- Circuit highlights for fans:
- Main straight: Perfect for overtaking, with speeds nearing 350 km/h.
- Icheri Sheher sector: Tight corners demand driver precision.
- Absheron grandstand: Best spot for watching the start and battles.
- Urban setting: Blends history and modernity with the medieval wall as a backdrop.
The 2025 Azerbaijan GP promises thrilling racing, with McLaren under pressure to maintain its lead and drivers like Verstappen and Leclerc ready to challenge. The mix of history, strategy, and unpredictability makes Baku a season highlight.
