WEEKEND WARM-UP: It's all to play for around the streets of Baku
Azerbaijan always produces great races, and there is no reason to think this weekend will be any different. With at least three drivers seemingly now in the title fight thanks to Sergio Perez’s win last time out, it’s all to play for in the Land of Fire.
Can Perez back up that Monaco triumph? That’s what everyone wants to know, and it helps the Mexican that he is coming to a track where he has a pretty decent record. But Perez will have a tough time of it, with Max Verstappen looking to get back to winning ways – as is Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver started from P1 here last season, and will be the hot favourite going into Saturday’s qualifying after grabbing pole position at the last three race weekends.
Mercedes will also want to continue the progress they have been making towards the sharp end of the grid – but Lewis Hamilton will have a tough fight on his hands with George Russell driving strongly and, so far, the only driver to finish in the top five at every race.
F1 NATION: Will sparks fly in the Land of Fire as the title battle heads to Baku?
As for the rest, Valtteri Bottas will be another chomping at the bit to get going at a circuit he also has a good record at, Lando Norris seems to be over his nasty bout of tonsillitis and Daniel Ricciardo is under pressure to score points, having not been in the top 10 since Australia.
Join Rosanna Tennant, Lawrence Barretto and Sam Collins – plus special guest, Aston Martin Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins – as they discuss the biggest talking points ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.
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