F1 Live: Can Anyone Challenge McLaren in Baku FP2?

Formula 1 drivers are hitting the track again in Baku for Free Practice 2 (FP2) of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. While the morning session was all about circuit familiarity and initial setup, FP2 will see teams shift their focus to qualifying and, more importantly, race simulations. This afternoon's session will offer a clearer picture of the pecking order for the weekend.

Why it matters:

• FP2 is crucial for teams to fine-tune their cars for both qualifying pace and long-run race performance, especially on a demanding street circuit like Baku.
• Performance in this session will provide the strongest indication yet of which teams and drivers are genuinely in contention for pole position and the race victory.

The Details:

• All eyes are on the two McLarens, who enter the session as favorites, building on their strong form.
• Key Challengers: Max Verstappen, fresh off a dominant win in Monza, and Charles Leclerc, who has secured the last four poles at Baku, are expected to be McLaren's closest rivals.
• Session Focus: Teams will conduct qualifying simulations to assess one-lap pace and race simulations to understand tire degradation and long-run performance.
• Circuit Characteristics: Baku's unique layout, combining a high-speed straight with tight, technical sections, makes setup optimization particularly challenging.

The Big Picture:

• The Baku GP is the seventeenth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season and the final European race before the championship heads into its crucial final stretch.
• This race is pivotal for championship contenders to solidify their positions or gain ground before the non-European flyaway races.

What's next:

• The green light for FP2 is set for 14:00 local time.
• While bright and sunny conditions prevailed in Monza, there's a slight risk of rain in Baku for some sessions this weekend, which could add another layer of complexity to strategy and car setup. Teams will be closely monitoring the weather forecasts to anticipate any changes.
• The insights gained from FP2 will heavily influence strategies for Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's main race, as teams will finalize their car configurations based on these crucial data points.