Sun Sep 21 10:30:00 UTC 2025: **Formula 1 Heads to Baku: Can McLaren Clinch the Constructors’ Championship?**
**Baku, Azerbaijan** – Formula 1 arrives in Baku this weekend for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the 17th round of the 2025 season. The street circuit, known for its high speeds and tight corners weaving through the city’s historic center, promises another exciting race.
Oscar Piastri, fresh off his victory here last year, will be looking to repeat his success. However, all eyes will be on Charles Leclerc, who has dominated qualifying in Baku with four pole positions, though he’s yet to convert one into a race win.
The weather forecast predicts hot and sunny conditions for Friday, followed by slightly cooler temperatures and a chance of light rain on Saturday and Sunday.
**Key Storylines:**
* **Team Orders:** Following controversy two weeks ago, will we see more strategic team plays unfold on the track?
* **Constructors’ Championship on the Line?** McLaren has an opportunity to secure the title this weekend, extending their dominant run in 2025 after clinching the title in 2024.
* **Baku’s Unique Challenge:** The Baku City Circuit is the only F1 track to wind around a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring the narrowest section of tarmac on the calendar at 7.8 meters and a 2.2-kilometer straight where cars can reach speeds of over 220 mph.
**Race Predictions:**
Despite Piastri’s win last year, analysts are favoring Max Verstappen to take the victory after his recent success in Monza.
**How to Watch:**
* **USA:** ESPN and ESPN+
* **UK:** Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live, with highlights on Channel 4
**Weekend Schedule (BST):**
* **Friday:** Free Practice 1 (09:30-10:30), Free Practice 2 (13:00-14:00)
* **Saturday:** Free Practice 3 (09:30-10:30), Qualifying (13:00-14:00)
* **Sunday:** Race (12:00)
Stay tuned to ESPN.com/F1 for live text commentary and in-depth analysis from Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson. Also, be sure to check out Unlapped, ESPN’s weekly F1 podcast, for more insights.
First Piper 