F1 betting tips: Azerbaijan Grand Prix predictions, preview and Formula 1 best bets

Charles Leclerc won the Italian GP, but attention focused on McLaren’s “Papaya Rules” after Piastri passed Norris. The Azerbaijan GP raises questions about potential teammate clashes possibly affecting McLaren’s race performance again. Read on to find the latest betting tips, best bets and predictions.

F1 betting tips: Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Azerbaijan Awaits: Will Experience Prevail or Can a Surprise Shake the Grid?

• Sergio Perez has secured five podiums in seven races at Baku, including two wins.
• Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas teammate scored points at Monza, showcasing their car’s potential on high-speed circuits.
• Charles Leclerc has taken pole position at Baku for three consecutive years but has yet to convert it into a win.

The Formula One season continues this weekend with the highly anticipated Azerbaijan Grand Prix, set on the dramatic Baku City Circuit. Known for its challenging combination of tight street corners and long straights, this unique track demands a blend of low downforce for speed and high downforce for precision in its narrow, tricky sections. With speeds reaching up to 370 km/h on the 2.1 km home straight, Baku consistently offers thrilling races and unpredictable outcomes. In recent years, the circuit has seen both spectacular victories and crushing disappointments, making it a firm favourite among fans and punters alike. This season’s race promises to be no different, with top drivers ready to battle for glory.

Baku’s mixture of tight turns and high-speed straights places particular demands on cars and drivers. It’s a circuit where balance is key, favouring drivers who can expertly navigate the intricate twists of the old city streets while making the most of the faster, wider sections. Historically, the track has also thrown up its share of chaos, with safety cars and strategic blunders often playing a role in the outcome. This year’s race adds even more intrigue, with top teams such as Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes fighting for crucial points in the championship race. All eyes will be on this fascinating race, with plenty of bets and predictions to consider.

Best Bet: Sergio Perez Podium Finish

Our top recommendation for this weekend’s race is backing Sergio Perez for a podium finish. His record at Baku speaks for itself, and it’s hard to argue against the Mexican’s ability to perform at this track. Perez has earned five podium finishes in seven attempts here, a remarkable statistic considering some of those drives were in midfield cars. What’s most impressive is that even when his car wasn’t the best, Perez still found a way to take advantage of the chaotic nature of this circuit, often emerging on the podium.

In both 2016 and 2018, when Perez wasn’t driving for the dominant Red Bull team, he still managed to secure podiums, demonstrating his expertise in handling the tricky Baku layout. Fast forward to this season, and while Red Bull have struggled somewhat, Perez’s car is still far superior to what he had in his earlier podium finishes. This superior machinery, combined with his knack for taking advantage of the right opportunities, gives him a solid chance to make it six podiums from eight attempts.

Some might point to the fact that both of Perez’s Baku victories were somewhat fortuitous — with Max Verstappen’s DNF in 2021 and a timely safety car in 2023. However, it’s important to remember that Perez was in the right position to capitalise on those opportunities, a skill that’s particularly crucial on a track like Baku, where chaos can often shape the outcome. His 2023 victory, in particular, showcased his defensive driving as he held off Verstappen for over 30 laps, something very few drivers have been able to do consistently.

Given Perez’s exceptional record at Baku and his ability to thrive in unpredictable races, backing him for another podium at 10/1 seems like a shrewd bet. The odds offer great value, especially considering his consistency at this circuit. Even though Red Bull may not be the dominant force this season, Perez’s skill at navigating this complex track makes him a strong contender for a top-three finish.

Second Prediction: Nico Hulkenberg Points Finish

For those looking for an alternative, higher-risk prediction, Nico Hulkenberg securing a points finish is an intriguing option. Although Hulkenberg has had a mixed season so far, there are reasons to believe that Baku could offer him an opportunity to score valuable points. His performance at Monza was cut short after early incidents, but his pace leading up to the race had been promising. His Haas teammate, Kevin Magnussen, managed to finish in the points despite a 10-second penalty, suggesting that the car has the raw speed needed for a track like Baku.

Hulkenberg’s Haas should benefit from the long straights and high-speed sections of the Baku City Circuit. The car has demonstrated its potential to excel on tracks that demand top speed, and the layout in Azerbaijan could play into its strengths. Additionally, the chaotic nature of races in Baku often sees opportunities arise for midfield teams to sneak into the points, especially if there are incidents among the front-runners. Given that Magnussen will not race this weekend due to a suspension, all eyes will be on Hulkenberg to lead the charge for Haas.

Though his record at Baku isn’t stellar, this could be the race where Hulkenberg turns things around. A points finish isn’t out of reach, especially considering how unpredictable the Azerbaijan Grand Prix can be. With a strong car and the possibility of race incidents favouring midfield drivers, Hulkenberg could very well find himself in the top ten when the chequered flag falls. At higher odds, this dark horse prediction offers a great value option for those looking to make a more adventurous bet.

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Foor more Formula 1 betting tips and news, check out:

• F1 Betting Tips: 2024 Formula One Season Predictions, Preview and Best Bets
• F1 Betting Tips

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