As the Formula 1 championship intensifies, McLaren has emerged as a dominant force this season, driven by their standout drivers and the challenge posed by Max Verstappen F1 pace at Red Bull Racing. With the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku approaching, Lando Norris highlighted critical observations about Verstappen’s performance patterns, signaling potential shifts in the competitive landscape.
Norris Comments on Red Bull’s Unpredictable Baku Practice Form
During the initial practice sessions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the track conditions led to an unusual first day in Baku. Norris impressed in the opening practice by posting a time of 1:42.704, outpacing Verstappen by over a second. However, the second session saw a shuffle as Lewis Hamilton took the lead with a 1:41.293 lap, Verstappen climbing to sixth place, and Norris dropping to tenth.
Reflecting on the changing conditions, Norris remarked on how the circuit felt “very different to last year,” noting that the track was significantly quicker and featured softer tire compounds than usual. He added,
“The track is very different to last year. It’s quite a bit quicker, and it’s a softer compound, which we don’t use that often. But it is what it is. I’ll have to make up for it.”
— Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
Beyond his own pace, Norris identified Ferrari as one of the swiftest outfits in Baku this weekend. Additionally, he took a pointed jab at Red Bull’s typical Friday performance, suggesting their practice pace isn’t a reliable metric for how they will perform on race day. He stated:
“Red Bull are going to be quick – they’re never good on Friday but then they go to sleep and they wake up and they’re just quick again. I expect a challenge from at least three cars tomorrow.”
— Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
This insight underscores a trend where Verstappen and his team appear subdued during practice but surge during qualifying and the race, complicating predictions for their true pace.
Season Overview: Norris Rising, Verstappen Maintaining Pressure
Lando Norris has delivered a formidable campaign in 2025, with five wins and four pole positions establishing him as one of the F1 grid’s leading contenders. Starting his season triumph in Australia, Norris followed with three consecutive podiums in China, Japan, and Bahrain. Further results included second-place finishes in Miami and Emilia-Romagna, a win at the Monaco Grand Prix, and impressive back-to-back victories in Austria and Great Britain, complemented by a podium in Belgium.
Norris continued his strong form with a win in Hungary and a runner-up spot in Italy, showcasing consistent competitiveness across a varied circuit lineup.
Max Verstappen, despite facing challenges outpaced by McLaren drivers in several races, remains a significant threat with three wins and seven podiums, accumulating 230 points this season. As a four-time world champion, his experience and previous successes in Baku keep him firmly among the title favorites.
Oscar Piastri, Norris’s McLaren teammate, leads the standings with seven victories and 324 points, illustrating McLaren’s dominant position this season. Verstappen currently trails behind both McLaren drivers in the rankings, signaling a potential shift in the championship momentum.
The Stakes at Baku and What to Expect Moving Forward
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is known for its challenging street circuit conditions, where driver skill and team strategy often dictate results. Norris’s observations about Verstappen’s fluctuating practice and race pace add a layer of anticipation ahead of the weekend’s critical sessions.
Given Norris’s sharp pace in practice and the resilience Verstappen has historically shown in race conditions, the upcoming contest promises intense battles. Ferrari’s strong appearances further complicate the competitive order, ensuring no clear favorite ahead of qualifying and the race.
This weekend’s performances could influence championship dynamics as both McLaren and Red Bull vie for supremacy, while Verstappen aims to regain his edge after a relatively subdued start compared to previous campaigns.
Lando Norris has noticed something of a pattern to Red Bull's weekends 😅 pic.twitter.com/gZD4vI8rOL
— The Race (@wearetherace) September 19, 2025
