Round six of the 2021 season is fast approaching, with teams and drivers taking to the Baku City Circuit on Friday, June 4 for Free Practice ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
It’s been nearly two years since F1 drove the Baku city streets due to the Covid-19 pandemic seeing a number of venues cancel their planned outings in 2020.
Following Round five in Monaco, Red Bull leads the Constructor’s Standings for the first time since 2013 with 149 points, while their Dutch charging Bull Max Verstappen sits atop the Driver’s Standings for the first time in his career with 105.
In their close shadows is current world champions Mercedes, who are one point off the top spot in the Constructor’s Standings, while their starboy Lewis Hamilton is four points behind Verstappen heading into Round six.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with proceedings kicking off on June 4:
The Circuit
The Baku City Circuit has hosted 4 Grand Prix in Formula One’s history and features 20 corners with two DRS zone.
Sunday’s race will mark its 5th feature on the F1 calendar and will take place over 51 laps of the 6.003km circuit.
It will run across 306.049km from lights out to chequered flag, with top speeds of 349 km/h expected.
In its history, the Mercedes team has been the most successful outfit here, with 3 wins under their belt – while no driver has had a repeat win at this Grand Prix so far.
There are three previous Baku winners on the grid this weekend in Daniel Ricciardo (2017), Lewis Hamilton (2018), and Valtteri Bottas (2019).
Weather
Forecasts for the weekend in Azerbaijan are set to remain clear from Friday through to Sunday.
Friday’s probability of rain is a minor 2% with temperature highs of 26C.
Saturday will remain dry as well with temperatures remaining in the mid-20s.
Current predictions show another scorcher on race day with highs of 24C and chances of rain remaining at 2%.
When/ Where to Watch
Free practice 1 will take place on Friday, June 4 at 9:30 am Irish time, with FP2 kicking off just hours later at 1:00 pm.
FP3 begins on Saturday, June 5, at 10:00 am GMT and will be followed by Qualifying at 1:00 pm.
For the big day on Sunday, coverage will be on Sky and NOW with lights out at 1:00 pm.
You can catch live coverage of the entire 2021 season, every weekend on Sky Sports F1, or grab a NOW sports package.
Current Standings
