The Azerbaijan GP is Around the Corner

As we head into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the excitement of the 2024 Formula 1 season shows no signs of slowing down, following an electrifying first half of the year that saw seven different race winners across the first 13 races. The big question on everyone’s mind now is whether McLaren can challenge Red Bull for both championship titles as the season progresses, especially with Red Bull’s dominance appearing to wane.

After Red Bull’s early-season control, the 2024 campaign has treated fans to thrilling, multi-team battles at the front, with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all stepping up. The last three races have been particularly telling, with different winners emerging at distinct tracks. Lewis Hamilton secured victory for Mercedes in Belgium, Lando Norris led a brilliant charge for McLaren in the Netherlands, and Charles Leclerc gave Ferrari a memorable home win in Italy.

This exciting sequence of races has revealed key storylines: Red Bull has appeared unsettled by challenges with their RB20, Ferrari has rebounded after struggling with updates, Mercedes has made promising strides, and McLaren has established itself as the most consistent front-runner, regardless of track or conditions.

McLaren’s impressive and consistent pace, coupled with Red Bull’s recent struggles, now positions the Woking-based team as genuine contenders for both the drivers' and constructors’ championships. Just eight points separate McLaren and Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, while Norris trails Max Verstappen by 62 points in the drivers’ title fight.

Remarkably, Verstappen and Red Bull haven’t won a race since the Spanish Grand Prix in June, a seven-race drought that underscores the shifting momentum. Red Bull will need to dig deep to secure a fourth consecutive win in Baku, a track where Leclerc has claimed the last three pole positions.

As we look ahead to the race in Azerbaijan, the ultra-competitive and unpredictable nature of the 2024 season means several teams could vie for victory. McLaren’s rise, Red Bull’s recent woes, and the resurgence of Ferrari and Mercedes have all set the stage for a gripping conclusion to the season.

With an 84-point deficit in the drivers’ standings, Lando Norris faces an uphill battle, but history has shown that dramatic comebacks are possible. As the season enters its final stretch, all eyes are on McLaren to see if they can wrestle both titles from Red Bull’s grasp before the year’s end.

Last 5 Azerbaijan GP winners



2023 – Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

2022 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2021 – Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

2019 – Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

2018 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)