Today's News at the Baku Grand Prix

It's Thursday in Baku, and as the paddock prepares for a race weekend, a significant piece of news has emerged from the Mercedes camp, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.

George Russell will miss the media day for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to illness. 

The British driver is resting up in preparation for the first two practice sessions tomorrow. 

Still, a Mercedes spokesperson confirmed that should the 27-year-old fail to recover in time for FP1 on Friday, reserve driver Valtteri Bottas will be on standby.

The absence comes at a critical time for Russell, who is not only fighting to keep Mercedes in touching distance of their rivals, but is also chasing a new contract. 

With both Russell and his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli out of contract at the end of the 2025 season, Toto Wolff has yet to agree to renewed terms with his driver line-up. 

This situation adds a fascinating subplot to every race weekend.

While George Russell is in recovery, all eyes will also be on McLaren, which is on the brink of a historic milestone. 

The team arrives with a mammoth 337-point lead over second-placed Ferrari. In fact, if they outscore Ferrari by nine points this weekend, they will officially secure their 10th World Constructors' Championship, a new record for winning the title with the most races remaining.

The Drivers' Championship is equally captivating, with Oscar Piastri holding a 31-point lead over his teammate Lando Norris. Piastri, last year’s winner here in Baku, is aiming to reassert his authority, while Norris will be desperate to chip away at the lead after a frustrating Italian Grand Prix.

For Ferrari, Baku represents a crucial, and arguably final, opportunity to make a statement in Europe before the F1® circus heads to Asia and beyond. 

The Scuderia, currently sitting second in the Constructors' Championship, will be desperate for a strong showing to defend its position against a resurgent Mercedes and Red Bull.

Charles Leclerc has taken the last four pole positions here, but has yet to convert any of them into a victory. 

His fans hope he can break the curse this year. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton's wait for his first Ferrari podium continues, with only eight races left to maintain a proud career record of finishing on the podium in every F1® season he's competed in.

The Baku City Circuit is a track similar to Monza and is all about speed, with its incredibly long main straight and tight medieval castle.

With a challenging circuit, a championship on the line, and the promise of unpredictable tyre strategies, 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!