Underdogs chasing the podium and more chaos – What To Watch For in the Azerbaijan GP
Chris Medland picks out five key things to keep an eye on when the lights go out on race day in Baku.


From Max Verstappen going for a second consecutive victory to some unexpected podium contenders, and from the championship rivals trying to recover to the potential for a repeat of the chaos seen in qualifying, here are five things to keep an eye on when the lights go out on race day in Baku…
1. Verstappen’s chance of back-to-back victories
Heading into qualifying in Azerbaijan, there was a run of 10 races without a driver taking consecutive pole positions – the longest such streak in F1 for more than 40 years.
Max Verstappen ensured the number didn’t grow to 11, with a stunning lap at the end of Q3 to secure his sixth pole of the year.
Next Up
Related Articles
Piastri ‘should be proud’ of his season says Brown
Power RankingsWho dazzled our judges at the finale in Abu Dhabi?
PalmerThe 6 defining moments of Norris’ title-winning season
Hamilton 'doesn't have a mindset' for 2026 after tricky year
Beyond The GridToto Wolff and Hywel Thomas on Mercedes’ 2026 prospects
Tsunoda's best moments in F1 as he departs the grid
