5 BOLD Predictions for the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Round 17 of the 2025 F1 season in Baku, Azerbaijan, is underway, and boy, has it delivered. With no real team looking the strongest around Baku, all was to play for going into qualifying.

Speaking of qualifying, my GOODNESS. From a record number of red flags to crashes from top contenders, the grid looks absolutely wild heading into the Grand Prix.

Here is a look at the starting grid (updated Saturday, September 20, at 12:30 pm EST)

1. Max Verstappen

2. Carlos Sainz

3. Liam Lawson

4. Andrea Kimi Antonelli

5. George Russell

6. Yuki Tsunoda

7. Lando Norris

8. Isack Hadjar

9. Oscar Piastri

10. Charles Leclerc

11. Fernando Alonso

12. Lewis Hamilton

13. Gabriel Bortoleto

14. Lance Stroll

15. Oliver Bearman

16. Franco Colapinto

17. Nico Hulkenberg

18. Pierre Gasly

19. Alex Albon

20. Esteban Ocon

NOTE: Esteban Ocon finished in 18th but was disqualified from qualifying over a technical breach.

With that, let's get into the predictions!

Mercedes will Secure a Double Podium

Would this mean we don't see a Williams and/or VCARB on the podium? Most likely, I'm sorry! With the pace Mercedes has shown this weekend, it is just leading me to believe that they will be faster than the two cars ahead of them.

For the first time since Canada really, Antonelli and Russell have looked identical in terms of pace. The car looks solid, both drivers have kept it clean, and if it wasn't for the onslaught of red flags, I think they could've gotten more out of qualifying. With that said, 4th and 5th is not bad at all, especially considering the aggressive drivers ahead of them.

There will be At Least 2 Red Flags During the Race

Have I predicted something like this in the past couple of races? Sure, but considering the absolute carnage that has taken place already, I feel validated this weekend.

The drivers put together a record-breaking 6 red flag performance in qualifying on Saturday. The track is marginal in terms of room for error, the conditions are slippery, I mean, what more could you want as a fan.

With the conditions possibly being slippery again during the race, there is bound to be a crash or two that will pull out a red flag. Drivers will try and be aggressive, especially considering the starting grid. Drivers like the two McLarens will do their best to move up, while drivers like Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson will do everything possible not to move down.

Buckle up, folks, because we might be in for a wild, wild race.

8 Different Teams Will Score Points

Did anyone expect to see this as a possible top three to start a race? No, absolutely not, but I am here for it.

As of right now, seven different teams are starting in the top 10, with Haas, Kick Sauber, and Alpine being the teams out. Considering how this race could end up being a wild one, I could absolutely see a team like Aston Martin or Haas sneaking into the top 10. If my prediction regarding the red flags comes true, there is no reason for me to believe that at least a few teams will benefit from it or get screwed over by it.

Both VCARB Drivers will Finish in the Top-6

VCARB has looked tremendous since the end of the summer break, getting better and better as the races go along. Not only that, but both of their drivers are looking better than they have all season. The car is fast, but more importantly, the drivers are loving to drive it.

Again, considering the wild aspect we could see during the Grand Prix, I think Lawson and Hadjar can get a top-6 finish done. Lawson put himself in a brilliant position to compete for a podium, while Hadjar is a couple of spots away from the top-6 in 8th. This is a real possibility in my eyes, which could shake up the Constructors' Championship immensely.

No McLaren will Finish on the Podium; Max Verstappen wins the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

This is sort of a two-prediction-in-one scenario, but nevertheless, I think both could happen.

Max Verstappen showed today that there are levels to this sport, and he is on a different one than everyone else. In the midst of red flags, tricky conditions, and crashes, he came out on top once again. For McLaren, they bottled their opportunity for a race win in my eyes. Piastri was too greedy going into a corner and crashed in Q3, giving Lando Norris a massive opportunity that he bottled.

To me, this race will not come down to who has the fastest car, but who is the more talented driver on the day; and if a race comes down to pure talent, never bet against Max Verstappen.

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Until next time!

-Matt Hylen