<p>It’s off to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a street race that has thrown up some fascinating results.</p> <p>Consider that Charles Leclerc has captured the last 4 pole positions here but has failed to convert them to victories.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Or that the circuit’s only two-time winner is Sergio Perez, whose win in 2023 was the last time Max Verstappen finished behind a teammate (on track, not by DNF).</p> <p>And finally, of the 7 Baku races, two have been won by Australians, Daniel Ricciardo in 2017 and Oscar Piastri last year.</p> <p>Piastri comes into this year’s race as the points leader in the Driver’s standings, but both he and fellow McLaren driver Lando Norris were beaten by Verstappen in the previous race at Monza.</p> <p>It was a rare defeat for the Papaya team, who just didn’t have the pace to keep up with Max’s Red Bull.</p> <p>Whether or not that trend will continue this weekend is yet to be seen, but it’s hard to imagine another McLaren slip up.</p> <p>The Azerbaijan Grand Prix starts at a great time for most Aussie fans (9pm AEST), a bonus for those used to tough Monday mornings after F1 races.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Azerbaijan Grand Prix Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Best Bet - Oscar Piastri $2.50* (Outright Betting)</h3> <p>Once again we are in either/or territory, with Piastri slightly shorter odds than Norris. Piastri did win last year’s race, but remember that Norris started from 15th place on the grid. Piastri has won 2 of the last 4 races and will more than likely be in contention again this coming weekend. As we like to say, it’s another ‘choose your driver’ weekend.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Next Best - Lando Norris $2.60* (Outright Betting)</h3> <p>Norris is slightly better value here and if he can put in a decent qualifying lap (he was 15th last year) it should be another battle between the two McLarens. Softer Pirelli compounds will be in use this weekend, so McLaren’s superior tyre management could definitely play a part. Which driver will do it better? Again, looks like a toss-up.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Value Bet - Charles Leclerc $4.33* (Qualification Winner)</h3> <p>How much faith do you have in recent race history? Leclerc has been on pole for the past 4 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, so why not have a look at him to make it 5 in a row? The Ferrari has been inconsistent this season and Leclerc hasn’t been on the podium since Belgium in July, but he does know this track very well. It might be worth a look.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Value + Bet - Charles Leclerc $10.00* (Outright Betting)</h3> <p>Another one for you Baku history buffs. Leclerc has been on the podium here the past two years, finishing 3rd in 2023 and 2nd in 2024. Could a first-place finish be on the cards this year? (Note: if you think Max could give the McLarens a run for their money again, he’s paying $5.00 to win Outright).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>*Odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.&nbsp;</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Azerbaijan Grand Prix Australian Times</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Practice 1: </strong>Friday September 19, 6pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Practice 2: </strong>Friday September 19, 9:45pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Practice 3: </strong>Saturday September 20, 6:15pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Qualifying:</strong> Saturday September 20, 10pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Race: </strong>Sunday September 21, 9pm AEST.</p>