The biggest story in Baku is that McLaren arrives with a mammoth 337-point lead over second-placed Ferrari, but let's be honest, it's a done deal for 2026.
Where the excitement lies is in Max Verstappen's joy in disrupting things. It must be nice for Max, not to have the immense pressure of driving for a WDC, but with his tremendous talent, he can win races and podiums knowing he can use his talent in a relaxed style, while taking points from Lando and Pisatri, which as a mini saga will be fun to watch.
The McLaren team’s dominant run has seen them claim 12 victories and 27 podium finishes so far. While they suffered a rare race-day defeat to Max Verstappen at the recent Italian Grand Prix, another 1-2 finish here would emphatically seal their place in the history books.
While the Constructors' title seems a formality, the Drivers' Championship is anything but. The internal battle between the two McLaren titans, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, is still very much alive. Piastri, last year’s winner here in Baku, holds a slender 31-point lead over his teammate with eight races remaining.
The tension between the two McLaren drivers is palpable, with Norris publicly stating that he and Piastri are "below the team" and that the "spirit of the team is a priority."
So while all eyes will be on Max Verstappen, who is hoping to bounce back from a series of setbacks.
A victory at Monza was a potent reminder of his raw pace, and with a win here in Baku.
With the RB21 still proving a challenge, especially in the slower sections, Max will be relying on his talent to gain back valuable points. He has the backing of an incredibly supportive "Orange Army" here in Baku, with fans from all over the world descending on the city for one of the best races of the F1® season.
The drama is set to be amplified by Pirelli's decision to bring its softest trio of compounds to the race, a step softer than last year.
With a challenging circuit, a championship on the line, and the promise of unpredictable tyre strategies, with the great Max Verstappen set on disruption on every turn, all the ingredients are there for a truly unforgettable Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!
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