After an extended early-season break, F1 finally resumes the season with 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
With no race having replaced the cancelled Chinese GP this month, F1 found itself enjoying an unexpected four-week spring break with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez sat top of the standings.
This weekend however sees the debut of a revamped Sprint weekend format with the addition of a Sprint Shootout Qualifying on Saturday, which will set the Sprint grid later that day – whilst Friday’s Qualifying will determine the Grand Prix grid.
Now, here is a guide to everything that you need to know about 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit: Baku City Circuit
Laps: 51
Race Distance: 306.049km
Tyre Selection: C3, C4 & C5
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 28 April | Practice | 10:30am |
| Friday 28 April | Qualifying | 2:00pm |
| Saturday 29 April | Sprint Qualifying | 9:30am |
| Saturday 29 April | Sprint Race | 2:30pm |
| Sunday 30 April | Grand Prix | 12:00pm |
Four Key Pointers
- Baku City Circuit requires less downforce than Monaco so expect to see Red Bull continue their dominance at the front of the grid.
- Having had almost a month off to reflect on strengths and weaknesses across the opening three rounds, this race will provide an insight as to which teams have made progress during the break.
- With just one practice session available before Qualifying then Sprint Saturday, it is important to maximise track time and avoid a disruptive practice session.
- Mercedes are expected to bring upgrades meaning that a clean practice session will be vital if they’re to understand their car ahead of two qualifying and race sessions.
Last Time Out
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc claimed pole position in 2022 but lost the lead off the line to Perez, but the Mexican struggled for pace and lost the lead to Verstappen on Lap 15, from which the Dutchman sprinted away to victory after a power unit failure for Leclerc on Lap 20.