Everything You Need To Know Ahead Of The Azerbaijan Grand Prix

A round-up of everything you need to catch up on before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The wait is finally over for F1 fans who have been patiently waiting out the four-week April break in the calendar. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be kicking off tomorrow with the first free practice session and qualifying. 

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the race in Baku and first sprint race weekend of the season.

Current Drivers' Standings

1. Max Verstappen - 69 points
2. Sergio Perez - 54 points
3. Fernando Alonso - 45 points
4. Lewis Hamilton - 38 points
5. Carlos Sainz - 20 points
6. Lance Stroll - 20 points
7. George Russell - 18 points
8. Lando Norris - 8 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points
10. Charles Leclerc - 6 points
11. Valtteri Bottas - 4 points
12. Esteban Ocon - 4 points
13. Oscar Piastri - 4 points
14. Pierre Gasly - 4 points
15. Zhou Guanyu - 2 points
16. Yuki Tsunoda - 1 point
17. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point
18. Alex Albon - 1 points
19. Logan Sargeant - 0 points
20. Nyck de Vries - 0 points

Current Constructors' Standings

1. Red Bull - 123 points
2. Aston Martin - 65 points
3. Mercedes - 56 points
4. Ferrari - 26 points
5. McLaren - 12 points
6. Alpine - 8 points
7. Haas - 7 points
8. Alfa Romeo - 6 points
9. AlphaTauri - 1 point
10. Williams - 1 point

Baku Street Circuit Changes

The FIA has decided to reduce the second DRS zone in Baku. The activation zone on Baku's main straight has been shortened by 100 meters, with the aim of making overtaking more challenging. 

The FIA has made changes to the DRS system at four out of five F1 circuits, with further tweaks planned for the Miami Grand Prix. The adjustments to the DRS placement are designed to strike a balance between improving the show and ensuring that overtaking remains challenging.

Sprint Race Changes

The changes to the sprint race weekend format have been flooding the headlines this week. The F1 commission agreed to change the format earlier this week, and Baku will be hosting the first sprint race of the season with the new line-up. 

Friday will now hold free practice one and the qualifying session which will determine the grid line-up for the grand prix, which will go ahead on the Sunday as usual. 

Saturday will now start with a sprint shootout, a shorter version of the normal qualifying session. This will give the grid line-up for the sprint race which will be held later in the day.

News To Catch Up On

• Haas Team Chief Fires Warning To Kevin Magnussen Over Looming Contract Expiry
• George Russell Predicts Ferrari Comeback For Azerbaijan Grand Prix
• Charles Leclerc Speaks Out On Ferrari Exit Rumours
• Max Verstappen Confirms No Big Red Bull Upgrades For The Azerbaijan Grand Prix
• Carlos Sainz Jumps To Ferrari's Defence After Losing Another Key Director
• Lewis Hamilton Confident In Mercedes Changes Ahead Of Azerbaijan GP: "Strengthen The Team"
• Sergio Perez Hopeful To "Keep On Top" As Upgrades Are Introduced Across The Grid In Baku
• Max Verstappen Forecasts Chaos In Azerbaijan After Changes To The Sprint Race Format
• Lewis Hamilton To Feature In Miami GP Summit As He Talks Change In The Sport
• Ayrton Senna Has Been Made A Patron of Brazilian Sport After Law Change