There has been a seismic shift in the F1 world over the last fortnight with designer extrodinarre Adrian Newey set to depart Red Bull for Aston Martin.
It is a big blow to the hopes of Max Verstappen as his car designs helped steer the Dutchman to his era of dominance.
However there is still a job to be done as Verstappen tries to defend his world championship lead over the coming months.
This weekend we are in Azerbaijan for another Grand Prix from the Baku City Street Circuit.
With the McLaren cars the new dominant force in Formula 1, it is setting up for a fascinating run home as Verstappen desperately clings on to his season long lead.
Find our race preview and best bets for Sunday night here.
Track Stats
- Direction: Anti-Clockwise
- Lap Distance: 6.003km
- Total Laps: 51
- Race Distance: 306.049km
- Lap Record: 1:43.009 (2019, Charles Leclerc, FER)
- 2023 Podium: Sergio Perez (RBR), Max Verstappen (RBR), Charles Leclerc (FER)
- Most Event Wins: Sergio Perez (2021, 2023)
Race Winner
Based on the evidence in the last few races, it is pretty clear that this is McLaren’s race to lose with their two cars a way long way clear of the rest of the field.
However it is not all rosy in the papaya coloured garage with some strong debate over how strict the team orders will be between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Heading into this weekend, Norris is 62 points behind Verstappen and will need to catch a few breaks to challenge for the world title. which may require some sacrifice from his teammate.
That sacrifice may not come easy given Piastri’s manager Mark Webber’s history with team orders, even with the Aussie 106 points back and his title hopes firmly in the “dreamland” region.
But in a straight up race between the two drivers, Norris still has the edge and a world title for the Brit plus a constructor’s championship should give Piastri enough reason to play ball with a chance to properly compete in 2025.
Lando Norris to Win @ $2.30
Podium Finish
While only one McLaren can finish on top of the podium, both are quick enough to end up on the dais at the end of the race.
However the battle to be the third driver on the podium could be the most entertaining contest of the day with any number of contenders looking to take that spot (or an unlikely race win).
Despite a real struggle for pace, Charles LeClerc has done phenomenally well to finish in third in Zandvoort and win in Monza, the latter coming thanks to a daring tyre management plan.
However any time you can get Max Verstappen to finish on the podium at plus odds it’s a worthwhile risk given he is still quite competitive.
McLaren Double Podium @ $2.35
Max Verstappen Podium @ $2.20
Top 6 Finish
Only one name really jumps out in a market that is generally scarce on value this season.
Sergio Perez is the only two time winner in Baku and aside from his history at the track, he still has a seat to defend against the challengers.
Otherwise you’re really throwing a prayer on one of the drivers on the second tier teams, which has only happened a few times this season, most recently with Nico Hulkenberg back in Britain.
Sergio Perez Top 6 Finish @ $2.40
Points Finish
As much fun as it was seeing Oliver Bearman finishing in the points in his maiden Formula One race earlier this season, we probably won’t see the fill in driver repeat that feat as he takes over for Kevin Magussen this week due to the latter’s one race suspension.
Three names jump off the page in this market though with Nico Hulkenberg eager to atone for a poor showing at the last race.
Yuki Tsunoda has picked up points in a couple of street races already this season and looks well placed to handle the track at Baku, not to mention he did manage a points finish here last season.
Finally Pierre Gasly has been competitive in recent races with five points finishes since Monaco.
Nico Hulkenberg Points Finish @ $2.10
Yuki Tsunoda Points Finish @ $3.50
Pierre Gasly Points Finish @ $5.00