Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025: pre-qualifying
First practice had a predictable McLaren 1-2 at the top, Norris leading Piastri, with Leclerc and Russell next down the road. Albon was next, with Tsunoda ahead of Verstappen. Sainz, Lawson, and Hadjar completed the top 10.
FP2 was quite different. Hamilton was top ahead of Leclerc, with Russell leading Antonelli, and then Bearman. Verstappen was in sixth, ahead of Lawson, Ocon, Albon, and Norris, with Piastri in 12th.
A few notes are worthwhile: Norris whacked into the wall in FP2 and had about a third the laps of everyone else. First practice also had a long red flag due to a kerb deciding to be loose.
Third practice had Norris quickest, two-tenths up on Verstappen, Piastri, and Hamilton. Antonelli and Russell were four-tenths further back, and narrowly ahead of Albon, Bearman, then Lawson and Leclerc (who made an error on his final qualifying simulation run).
Hamilton’s been surprisingly close to Leclerc in practice. This is a shock for two reasons: it’s not been the case most of the year, and Baku is a Leclerc specialty.
Could be a Ferrari, McLaren, and Verstappen pole battle. Mercedes look to be fourth quickest, wih good midfield pace from Haas (especially Bearman), Williams (Albon), and Racing Bulls.
I waited to check out the Verstappen and Hamilton pole odds on Ladbrokes, for the each way aspect. Verstappen’s 4 was too short but Hamilton, un-boosted, at 11 each way is interesting. In fact, I’ve backed this at 12 (boosted value) each way. He’s been looking consistently good and while McLaren remain the favourites and others are in the fight, the Ferrari is looking competitive, especially if Norris/Piastri cock up, or get unlucky with flags/wind direction.
I’ll mention this again in the pre-race ramble, but the tyres are softer this year and many think a 2 stop may be on the cards. Azerbaijan’s enormo-straight means overtaking’s eminently possible, so a shot set of tyres can’t be used to keep track position on the otherwise tight circuit (it’s not Monaco).
Anyway, a rare qualifying bet, 12 each way (boosted) on Hamilton at Ladbrokes. Let’s hope the Ferraris are flying.
Morris Dancer
FP2 was quite different. Hamilton was top ahead of Leclerc, with Russell leading Antonelli, and then Bearman. Verstappen was in sixth, ahead of Lawson, Ocon, Albon, and Norris, with Piastri in 12th.
A few notes are worthwhile: Norris whacked into the wall in FP2 and had about a third the laps of everyone else. First practice also had a long red flag due to a kerb deciding to be loose.
Third practice had Norris quickest, two-tenths up on Verstappen, Piastri, and Hamilton. Antonelli and Russell were four-tenths further back, and narrowly ahead of Albon, Bearman, then Lawson and Leclerc (who made an error on his final qualifying simulation run).
Hamilton’s been surprisingly close to Leclerc in practice. This is a shock for two reasons: it’s not been the case most of the year, and Baku is a Leclerc specialty.
Could be a Ferrari, McLaren, and Verstappen pole battle. Mercedes look to be fourth quickest, wih good midfield pace from Haas (especially Bearman), Williams (Albon), and Racing Bulls.
I waited to check out the Verstappen and Hamilton pole odds on Ladbrokes, for the each way aspect. Verstappen’s 4 was too short but Hamilton, un-boosted, at 11 each way is interesting. In fact, I’ve backed this at 12 (boosted value) each way. He’s been looking consistently good and while McLaren remain the favourites and others are in the fight, the Ferrari is looking competitive, especially if Norris/Piastri cock up, or get unlucky with flags/wind direction.
I’ll mention this again in the pre-race ramble, but the tyres are softer this year and many think a 2 stop may be on the cards. Azerbaijan’s enormo-straight means overtaking’s eminently possible, so a shot set of tyres can’t be used to keep track position on the otherwise tight circuit (it’s not Monaco).
Anyway, a rare qualifying bet, 12 each way (boosted) on Hamilton at Ladbrokes. Let’s hope the Ferraris are flying.
Morris Dancer
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