This weekend F1 returns to Baku, Azerbaijan on western shore of the Caspian Sea as the city plays host to its fourth Formula 1 Grand Prix. This circuit is notable for its long power-hungry straights as it works its way around centuries-old architecture. In 2017 and 2018 it produced two of the most exciting races in modern F1 history.
The big news for both Honda-powered teams this weekend is a new internal combustion engine from Honda. This upgrade is said to improve durability, reliability, and net the teams 20 horsepower. Some sources have suggested this is the gap to Mercedes. Not traditionally a friendly circuit to Red Bull, the new Honda engine may have what it takes to put one car on the podium. On the Toro Rosso side, we should expect one car to be a contender for 'best of the rest’.
Elsewhere on the grid, it might seem obvious to say Mercedes has the advantage over Ferrari but that may not be the case in Baku. Ferrari’s low drag and high horsepower coupled with aero upgrades being introduced this weekend should mean the Prancing Horses have a chance at a win. From there we should expect a Renault to be candidate for 'best of the rest’ although we’d be remiss to say reliability isn’t a risk for them. They will be followed closely by an Alfa Romeo. Expect a battle between Racing Point and Haas for the final points paying position as the American squad has clearly faltered with the Pirelli tires. Baku will likely be quite hard on McLaren with their Renault engine so points will be a tough ask. Williams will bring up the rear with both of their cars.
U.S. TV TIMES:
Practice 1 – Friday, April 26, 4:55 AM – ESPN2
Practice 2 – Friday, April 26, 8:55 AM –
ESPNU
Practice 3 – Saturday, April 27, 5:55 AM – ESPN2
Qualifying – Saturday, April 27, 8:55 AM – ESPN2
On The Grid – Sunday, April 28, 7:30 AM – ESPN2
Race – Sunday, April 28, 8:05 AM – ESPN2
CIRCUIT INFORMATION:
Lap Data
Circuit length: 6.006km/3.732 miles
Turns: 20
Number of laps: 51
Distance to Turn One: 202m/0.126 miles
Longest straight: 2.1km/1.305 miles
Lap record: 1:43.441 Sebastian Vettel 2017
Car Performance
Top speed: 340km/h/211mph
Full throttle: 56 per cent
ERS
demands: High
Brake wear: Medium
Gear changes: 62 per lap /3,162 per race
Fuel consumption: 2.1kg per lap, making it one of the highest of the season
DRS
zones: Two, on the approaches to Turns One and Three
Key corner: Turn 15, a deceptively fast left-hander, through which entry speeds will be high and the walls will be close. Turn Eight is another notable corner, where the apex is a medieval wall and the track is only two car widths wide
Fastest corner: 170km/h (106mph), Turn 16
Slowest corner: 86km/h (53mph), Turn 8
Strategy
Pitlane length: 295m/0.183 miles, estimated time loss 22s
Tire choices: Hard (C2), Medium (C3), Soft (C4) (2018: Soft, Supersoft, Ultrasoft)
2018 RESULTS:
Laps: 51
Pole: 1:41.498, Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
Fast race lap: 1:45.149, Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
Podium
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2. Kimi Raikonnen, Ferrari
3. Sergio Perez, Force India
CURRENT STANDINGS:
Drivers
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 68
2. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 62
3. Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 39
4. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 37
5. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 36
6. Pierre Gasly, Red Bull, 13
7. Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo Racing, 12
8. Lando Norris, McLaren, 8
9. Kevin Magnussen, Haas, 8
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 130
2. Ferrari, 73
3. Red Bull, 52
4. Renault, 12
5. Alfa Romeo Racing, 12
6. Haas, 8
7. McLaren, 8
8. Racing Point, 7
9. Toro Rosso, 4
10. Williams, 0
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