Can McLaren Surpass Red Bull in the Baku Constructors’ Championship Battle?

The European races of the 2024 Formula 1 season are over, with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza wrapping things up last weekend.

McLaren is now just eight points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, and they hope to overtake Red Bull in Baku this weekend.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024

The Baku Street Circuit race, which used to be one of the first races of the season, has moved to September for 2024. With only eight races left, the competition is heating up. Since Miami, Red Bull has struggled, with their worst performance recently at Monza. Norris couldn’t win from pole position but cut his deficit to Verstappen to 62 points. Piastri’s P2 helped McLaren close the gap to just eight points in the constructors’ championship. McLaren hopes to continue their strong performances in Baku and capitalize on Red Bull’s poor form.

Fans might wonder if this will be a turning point for McLaren.

Since its debut in 2016, the Baku City Circuit has become a staple on the calendar. The track is over 6km long, making it one of the longest circuits, featuring a massive start/finish straight.

Originally planned for 2015, the race was delayed until 2016. The circuit has since hosted thrilling races like Ricciardo’s win in 2017 and Bottas’s impressive recovery to P2.

Sergio Perez holds the most wins in Baku, having won in 2021 and 2023 with Red Bull. Other winners include Rosberg, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Bottas, and Verstappen.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix Weather Forecast

Expect dry and warm weather in Baku this weekend. Temperatures will be in the high twenties with less than a 5% chance of rain according to Weather.com .

When is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2024?

The race weekend runs from Friday, September 13th to Sunday, September 15th.

What Time is the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

With European races done for the year, new start times are here. The race starts at 15:00 local time (12:00 UK time), as there’s a three-hour difference between Azerbaijan and the UK.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix Timetable (BST)

Friday, September 13

• First free practice: 10:30 – 11:30
• Second free practice: 14:00 – 15:00

Saturday, September 14

• Third free practice: 09:30 – 10:30
• Qualifying: 13:00 – 14:00

Sunday, September 15

• Azerbaijan Grand Prix: 12:00

What do you think? Will McLaren catch up?