25 Sept 2026, 07:00
Formula 1
Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying
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Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying Predictions & Betting tips - Formula 1
by Devesh Jaganath |
Round 15 of the Formula 1 season takes us to the Baku City Circuit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon. Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship standings, and our qualifying prediction is that the Mercedes star will start the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in pole position.
It’s a break from the norm this week, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix set to take place on Saturday rather than Sunday. Qualifying for the main race will be staged on Friday afternoon.
Heading into this weekend, Kimi Antonelli could all but put the race for the Drivers' Championship to bed, as he is already 81 points clear at the top and the favourite to emerge on the top step in Baku.
Baku’s main straight stretches just over 2.2 kilometres - the longest of any circuit of the 2026 calendar - which plays perfectly into Mercedes' hands, given the speed they have shown this year.
Lando Norris has had something of a resurgence in recent weeks and was certainly unlucky to relinquish his lead in Spain, but we are not sold that McLaren have the straight-line speed to keep up with the Silver Arrows.
Antonelli pulled off a masterclass to win from the back of the grid in Monza, and like Monza, Baku is a genuine power circuit, especially the run to the finish line
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Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying - Formula 1 prediction key points
- Kimi Antonelli is the leader in the F1 driver standings.
- Kimi Antonelli has won eight Grand Prix this year.
- Kimi Antonelli has started six Grand Prix in pole position this year.
- The Baku circuit favours cars with straight-line speed like Mercedes.
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Our Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying - Formula 1 prediction
While there is still some way to go before the end of the season, the F1 Drivers’ Championship is beginning to look increasingly like a one-horse race, with Kimi Antonelli now 81 points out in front.
The Italian has been excellent in recent weeks, and with Baku closely resembling the Monza circuit for its straights, Antonelli will be licking his lips at the prospect of another win. We fancy the teenager to clinch pole for this weekend’s main race. Our Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying prediction is Kimi Antonelli fastest qualifier.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
