Baku weather: Rain-free weekend and favorable winds for Azerbaijan GP

F1 heads to Baku for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and the weather looks set to cooperate. Forecasts point to a rain-free weekend, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius, and wind direction that could aid overtaking. The race runs Saturday instead of Sunday to avoid clashing with Azerbaijan's Day of Remembrance on September 27.

Why it matters:

With the championship fight entering its final stretch, every external factor counts. A dry, warm weekend removes the lottery of rain, but the wind could be the wildcard. On race day, a north-easterly wind is expected to produce a headwind into Turn 1, potentially making it easier for drivers to slipstream and pass.

The details:

• A rain cell moving eastwards from Turkey is expected to dissipate as it crosses the Caucasus Mountains, leaving Baku dry.
• Temperatures are forecast to remain in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius, typical for Baku this time of year.
• The main straight runs west-to-east, with a short northbound section between Turns 1 and 2.
• Qualifying will feature a crosswind from left to right with no headwind. For the race, the wind shifts to the north-east, creating a direct headwind along the straight into Turn 1.

What's next:

The forecast is subject to change, but if the current outlook holds, Baku should deliver a clean, straightforward weekend—one where the weather doesn't steal the show.