Formula 1 is back, and we are kicking off a triple-header with one of the most unpredictable races on the calendar: Baku.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix gets the stretch started before Formula 1 heads to Sepang and then Singapore, giving us three straight weekends of racing. Even better, Baku is doing things a little differently this year, with the Grand Prix taking place on Saturday.
Baku is always capable of producing chaos. The long straights create plenty of overtaking opportunities, the walls punish even the smallest mistake, and strategy can change in an instant with a Safety Car. So with another huge weekend ahead of us, let’s make some predictions.
As always, I’m not predicting pole position. Qualifying is difficult enough to predict once the cars actually hit the track, never mind several days beforehand. We’re here to predict what matters most: the race.
🥇 P1 — Max Verstappen
I’m going with Max Verstappen to win in Baku and get his first win of the season.
Max may not be in the championship fight this season, but he remains one of the best drivers on the grid, and we have seen plenty of reminders that he can still fight at the front when the Red Bull gives him the opportunity.
He finished second last time out, and Baku feels like another circuit where Max can put himself right in the middle of the fight.
Mercedes has been the benchmark for much of 2026, but winning every race is nearly impossible. This feels like a weekend where Max can break through and take another victory.
Prediction: Max Verstappen wins the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
🥈 P2 — Kimi Antonelli
At this point, picking Kimi Antonelli to finish on the podium almost feels like the safe option.
Kimi enters Baku after winning both Monza and Madrid, and his incredible 2026 season continues. He has established himself at the top of the championship and continues to deliver regardless of the circuit.
Baku will present a completely different challenge, especially with how unforgiving the walls can be, but Kimi has shown throughout this season that he can adapt quickly.
I don’t have him making it three victories in a row, but I absolutely expect him to be fighting at the front again.
Prediction: Kimi Antonelli finishes P2.
🥉 P3 — George Russell
And completing my podium is the other Mercedes: George Russell.
George has been consistently near the front throughout the season, and Baku is a track where we already know he can deliver. He finished P2 here last year, putting together an excellent race to climb from fifth on the grid onto the second step of the podium.
One of the highlights of that race came during his final pit stop. Russell absolutely attacked the pit-lane entry as Mercedes attempted to complete the overcut on Carlos Sainz. He pushed it right to the limit, Mercedes executed the stop, and George emerged just ahead of Sainz to take P2.
That combination of pace, strategy and commitment helped produce one of George’s strongest races of 2025, and now he returns to Baku with an even stronger Mercedes underneath him.
I expect him to be fighting near the front again. I don’t have him beating Max or Kimi this weekend, but I do have George returning to the Baku podium.
Prediction: George Russell finishes P3.
Final Predictions
🥇 P1 — Max Verstappen
🥈 P2 — Kimi Antonelli
🥉 P3 — George Russell
Baku rarely gives us a straightforward Formula 1 weekend, and that is exactly what makes this race so much fun.
Max gets my pick for the victory, while Mercedes puts both cars on the podium to continue its outstanding season.
And this is only the beginning.
Baku. Sepang. Singapore. Three straight weekends of Formula 1.
Let the triple-header begin.
Who do you have winning in Baku? Let me know, and as always, like and subscribe to Ethical Sports Takes for more Formula 1 coverage.
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