F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025: Live Qualifying Drama, Race Schedule, and What Time is the F1 Race Today
The Formula 1 season heads to the streets of Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025, delivering high-speed action and unpredictable drama in one of the most exciting rounds of the calendar. With the championship battle intensifying between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen showing renewed strength for Red Bull, all eyes are now on how qualifying sets the stage for Sunday’s race. Fans around the globe are also searching for one key detail: what time is the F1 race today.
McLaren vs Red Bull vs Ferrari: The Championship Storyline
The Italian Grand Prix reshaped the title fight, with Max Verstappen storming to victory while Oscar Piastri controversially gave up second place to his teammate Lando Norris. That decision narrowed Piastri’s lead in the standings to 31 points, sparking debates over McLaren’s internal strategies.
Meanwhile, Ferrari showed competitive pace in Monza, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton securing strong top-six finishes. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix now provides another test of who can adapt best to the demanding Baku street circuit.
Azerbaijan GP 2025 Qualifying Recap
The qualifying session in Baku proved as chaotic as ever, with multiple red flags disrupting the action.
Key incidents during Q1:
-
Alex Albon hit the wall at Turn 1, becoming the first driver out.
-
Nico Hulkenberg crashed at Turn 4, scattering debris and ruining Verstappen’s timed lap.
-
Franco Colapinto ended Q1 with another crash, bringing the session to a close under red flag conditions.
Drivers eliminated in Q1:
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Franco Colapinto | Williams |
| 17 | Nico Hulkenberg | Haas |
| 18 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine |
| 19 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 20 | Alex Albon | Williams |
Odds and Favorites Before Qualifying
Bookmakers highlighted a tight contest heading into qualifying, with McLaren and Ferrari tipped as favorites.
| Driver | Odds |
|---|---|
| Lando Norris | 9/5 |
| Max Verstappen | 11/4 |
| Charles Leclerc | 11/4 |
| Oscar Piastri | 7/2 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 12/1 |
| George Russell | 40/1 |
Azerbaijan GP Secures Its Place on the Calendar
Formula 1 confirmed that Baku will remain part of the championship until 2030, extending the contract for its unique and challenging street race. This ensures fans can continue enjoying the spectacular backdrop of the Caspian Sea alongside high-stakes racing for years to come.
What Time is the F1 Race Today?
For fans eager to follow the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025, the race weekend schedule is crucial. Below is the key timing information:
| Session | Local Time (Baku) | GMT Time |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying (Saturday) | 16:00 | 12:00 GMT |
| Race (Sunday) | 15:00 | 11:00 GMT |
Knowing what time is the F1 race today helps fans plan to watch live, whether through official TV broadcasters or online streaming platforms.
What to Expect on Race Day
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is famous for its unpredictability—tight corners, high-speed straights, and the constant threat of safety cars make Baku one of the most dramatic tracks of the season. McLaren will aim to strengthen its championship lead, Ferrari hopes to capitalize on strong practice pace, and Red Bull’s Verstappen looks determined to spoil the party.
