Formula 1 is set to break the course record for the Baku City Circuit if conditions remain favourable.
However the changing weather forecast means that cannot be taken for granted.
Teams’ 2024 performance in context
Baku’s combination of long straights, slow corners and a low-grip surface tends to suit some cars much more than others. Last year Ferrari and Williams were much more competitive at Baku than they were most other circuits on the calendar.
Teams’ progress vs 2024
Friday’s times sheets gave a less useful guide to overall pace than usual partly because some drivers found more pace from the medium compound tyre. Formula 1’s official tyre supplier Pirelli has brought its softest range of rubber this weekend, but as was the case when it previously appeared at Imola, Monaco and Montreal, the softest rubber isn’t necessarily the best tyre for a single flying lap.
McLaren also had a rough day and clearly never got close to their true pace. Red Bull also kept plenty in reserve, which is typical for them.
Combined lap times
Lewis Hamilton set the pace on Friday with a best lap time slightly quicker than his team mate’s pole-winning time from last year. Charles Leclerc is something of a Baku specialist, having taken the last four pole positions at this track, and set the current course record with a lap of 1’40.203 in 2023.
Last year lap times improved by over two seconds from Friday to Saturday as the track cleaned up, so it would be no surprise to see that record fall. However the weather may prevent that.
Some forecasts now put the risk of rain on Saturday morning as high as 60% at times. That will fall ahead of the start of F1 qualifying at 4pm, but the track could already be wet by then.
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