Formula 1 heads to the streets of Baku this weekend for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli arriving in imperious form after extending his championship lead at the new Madrid circuit last time out.
For the first time in the event’s history, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held on a Saturday, adding an extra layer of intrigue to a weekend that is renowned for producing chaos, safety cars and the unexpected on one of the calendar’s most unique tracks. With the title race all but decided at the top, attention this weekend is likely to turn to the battle for the remaining podium places and the chase for second in the championship.
DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE
Kimi Antonelli continues to lead the way after an eighth win of the season in Madrid, taking his points tally to 292 and stretching his advantage over George Russell, in second on 211 points, to 81. Lewis Hamilton sits third on 191 points after a difficult run of results, with Lando Norris now just five points behind him in fourth on 186.
The bookies rate Antonelli as an overwhelming favourite to seal the title at just 1.04, with Norris at 17.00, Russell out at 26.00 with Hamilton at 51.00 as the closest challengers on paper.
Antonelli 292 1.04
Norris 186 17.00
Russell 211 26.00
Hamilton 191 51.00
Click here for betting on Drivers Championship winner
Last Race – Spanish GP 2026
Antonelli claimed his eighth victory of the season at the first ever Spanish Grand Prix held at the new Madring circuit, extending his championship lead in the process. Max Verstappen recovered well to finish second, with Lando Norris, who started from a superb pole position, unable to hold on after a slow pit stop and having to settle for third. Charles Leclerc came home fourth, while George Russell endured a tricky afternoon after pitting twice and starting down in seventh, eventually salvaging fifth. It was a race to forget for Lewis Hamilton, who failed to finish for the first time this season.
Azerbaijan GP 2025
Max Verstappen produced a dominant grand slam performance in Baku last year, leading every lap from pole and setting the fastest lap to win by over 14 seconds from George Russell. Carlos Sainz completed the podium in third, claiming a first podium for Williams having just missed out on pole. Kimi Antonelli brought his Mercedes home in fourth, with Liam Lawson rounding out the top five, while Oscar Piastri’s race unravelled early after a qualifying crash and a jumped start ended with him crashing out at Turn 5.
The Baku City Circuit
The Baku City Circuit is a 6.003km, 20-turn street track that is widely regarded as one of the most unique venues on the calendar. It combines a 2.2km flat-out blast from Turn 20 to Turn 1, the longest straight in Formula 1, with a tight, technical section around the Old City walls, where the track narrows to just 7.6 metres, the narrowest point anywhere on the calendar. That contrast between raw straight-line speed and a claustrophobic castle section makes Baku notoriously hard to get right and a happy hunting ground for safety cars and late drama.
BETTING (2026 Azerbaijan GP) – Click here to bet
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 2.10
George Russell (Mercedes) 4.30
Lando Norris (Mclaren) 5.00
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 7.50
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 13.00
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 13.00
Betting and Verdict:
Antonelli has been utterly dominant this season, and his eighth win of the year at Madrid showed once again the level of consistency that has defined his campaign. With such a commanding Championship lead and the form to match, we think he is a strong price to add another win to his tally in Baku.
We also have the insurance of getting our money back if he finishes 2nd – see promo details below
Suggested bet: Kimi Antonelli to win at 2.10
Motorsport Money Back
Minimum odds of 1/1 required to qualify.
Single/ Straight bets only.
Pre-match bets only.
Free Bets do not count towards this offer.
Refund must be claimed within 24 hours of the tournament finishing.
Refund limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Free Bet vouchers received must be used within 7 days.
Max refund per account per day in Free Bets:
- Max refund per account per day – R5,000
- Max refund for Black card members per day – R7,500
- Max refund for Super Black card members per day – R10,000
Free Bets terms and conditions apply.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘Motorsport Money Back’ within 24 hours of the tournament ending.
Verstappen has not managed a win so far this season, but Baku remains a happy hunting ground, having produced a dominant grand slam victory here last year. The long straights should continue to suit Red Bull’s power unit, and with Verstappen’s pedigree around this circuit, we think a top-three finish is well within reach again this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Max Verstappen top 3 at 2.40.
Click here for all Azerbaijan Grand Prix Betting Markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
T&Cs apply. 18+. Gamble responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose.
