Baku Formula 1 Race Review: Piastri’s Triumph & Major Highlights

Baku has once again hosted an exciting Formula 1 race. The main focus this year was on the intense battle between Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, but plenty of other action took place during the 51-lap race.

The mix of fast straight sections like Neftchilar Avenue and the tight corners of the Old City made it tough for teams to find the right setup. The ever-changing track conditions also made tire management tricky, adding to the race’s unpredictability. In the end, we saw crashes, impressive rookie performances, and bold strategies.

Off the track, the driver market for 2025 is taking shape. Adrian Newey’s expected move to Aston Martin has also created quite a stir in the paddock. Let’s dive into the highlights from Baku.

1. Baku Formula 1 Race: Piastri’s Brilliant Attack and Defense Skills

Oscar Piastri’s second Formula 1 victory could easily be one of his career best. He faced a tough challenge from Charles Leclerc, who was in top form on the tricky Baku circuit. Piastri, though, showed skills far beyond his limited time in F1.

The key moment came on lap 20 when Piastri made a bold move at Turn 1. Ignoring his engineer’s advice, he braked late and perfectly executed the pass, staying on the ideal racing line. From there, he held off 25 laps of pressure from Leclerc.

Piastri used his McLaren’s strengths in the first sector and took risks in the middle part of the track where Ferrari’s downforce advantage made things difficult. Eventually, Leclerc lost DRS, and Piastri’s tire management paid off in a race that saw heavy thermal degradation. McLaren’s boss, Andrea Stella, praised Piastri’s mental toughness, calling his performance controlled and precise.

2. Haas Enjoys Working with Rookie Bearman

Ollie Bearman has made a strong start in F1, earning points in every event he’s raced in 2024. After a one-off appearance for Ferrari in Jeddah, Bearman made his Haas debut in Baku and impressed the team.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu admitted the weekend wasn’t perfect but still found Bearman’s performance impressive. Despite missing out on Q3 due to minor mistakes, Bearman outqualified his more experienced teammate Nico Hulkenberg and recovered well after a crash in practice.

In the race, Bearman faced challenges but quickly integrated with his new team. He is already making a name for himself with Haas and is set to race full-time for them in 2025. His attitude and quick learning have already made him a favorite within the team.

3. F1 Penalty Points System Under Review After Magnussen Ban

Kevin Magnussen became the first F1 driver to be banned under the penalty points system due to a crash with Pierre Gasly in Monza. Many drivers, including Gasly, felt the ban was harsh, and discussions around the penalty points system have started within the F1 community.

Although a full review of the system hasn’t been initiated yet, the FIA may look into it after the season. However, even if a review happens, changes to the system may be minimal.

4. Weather Challenges in Baku Without Meteo-France

A political dispute between France and Azerbaijan affected the usual weather systems in place for the Baku race. Meteo-France, F1’s official weather partner, couldn’t attend due to travel restrictions, so teams had to rely on commercial weather services.

The FIA set up a single weather station in the pit lane, but teams had to adapt without the full support of the usual radar systems. Despite the challenges, teams managed, with some jokingly calling it “Meteo-Chance.”

5. Perez Continues to Shine in Baku

Sergio Perez once again proved his mastery of the Baku City Circuit, despite the challenges of the 2024 season. Perez has consistently performed well in Baku since the track joined the F1 calendar in 2016. He won the race in 2021 and 2023, and this year, he remained in the mix for victory.

Though Perez’s race ended in a collision with Carlos Sainz, his performance reminded everyone why he’s such a force on the streets of Baku. Despite a tough season, Perez showed he still has what it takes, especially on street circuits like this.

6. Williams’ Gamble on Colapinto Pays Off

Williams’ decision to replace Logan Sargeant with Franco Colapinto turned out to be a smart move. Colapinto, a young Argentine driver, quickly impressed in his first two races with the team, even surpassing Sargeant’s points tally.

Colapinto’s humility and excitement about entering F1 have been evident in interviews, but on the track, he’s shown he’s ready to compete with the best. His performance in Baku helped Williams move ahead of Alpine in the constructors’ standings, and the team is confident he will continue to grow.

7. F1 Teams Meet 2023 Cost Cap – Minor Breaches for Manufacturers

All 10 Formula 1 teams stayed within the 2023 cost cap, with no major breaches reported. However, both Honda and Renault faced procedural breaches in the power unit cost cap, which was introduced for the first time this year.

While these breaches are expected to lead to minor penalties, they won’t have a major impact on the teams. Red Bull’s earlier punishment for exceeding the 2021 cost cap has set a strong example, ensuring most teams stay in line during financial audits.

Also Read: Aston Martin Aims For Formula 1 Championship By Roping In Adrian Newey