2025 F1 Azerbaijan GP: Schedule and Start Times

The 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks a pivotal point in the F1 season as Baku hosts the 17th round. With Oscar Piastri leading Lando Norris by 31 points after the Italian GP, McLaren stands on the verge of securing the Constructors' Championship this weekend, contingent on key results against Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull. The weekend schedule is set for intense action, culminating in Sunday's race where the season's 17th winner will be crowned.

Why it matters:

• The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is crucial for McLaren, which has a real chance to clinch the Constructors' Championship. This would be a significant achievement, highlighting their strong performance throughout the season.
• The tight points difference between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, with Piastri currently 31 points ahead, intensifies the driver's championship battle, making every race critical.
• Baku's challenging street circuit is known for unpredictable races, often leading to dramatic overtakes and unexpected outcomes that could shake up both the drivers' and constructors' standings.

The Details:

• Friday, September 19th:
  • Free Practice 1 (FP1): 09:30 BST
  • Free Practice 2 (FP2): 13:00 BST
• Saturday, September 20th:
  • Free Practice 3 (FP3): 09:30 BST
  • Qualifying: 13:00 BST
• Sunday, September 21st:
  • Race Start: 12:00 BST

The big picture:

McLaren's potential Constructors' Championship win would signify a remarkable season for the team. They need to outscore Ferrari by nine points and not be outscored by Mercedes by 12 or more points, or by Red Bull by 33 or more points. This complex scenario adds a layer of strategic depth to the weekend, as all three teams will be keenly aware of their rivals' performances. The unpredictability of Baku's circuit, with its high-speed straights and tight corners, ensures that nothing is guaranteed until the final lap.

What's next:

The 2025 Azerbaijan GP promises a thrilling conclusion to the race weekend. Around an hour and a half after the Sunday race starts, the winner of the 17th round of the season will be known, potentially cementing McLaren's championship hopes or further heating up the driver's title fight. Fans worldwide can follow the action, with local start times automatically adjusted to their time zones.