The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku is shaping up to be a fascinating battle not just on track, but also against the elements. Drivers and teams will enjoy warm, sunny conditions for most of the afternoon, but forecasts suggest that the evening could bring an unexpected twist with showers on the horizon.
Warm and Bright Start
From midday through the late afternoon, the weather is expected to remain calm and dry. Temperatures will hover around 25°C (77°F) at peak, with the sun providing steady warmth across the circuit. These conditions should create stable track temperatures and plenty of grip, giving teams little reason to worry about strategy shifts early in the race.
Cooling as the Evening Arrives
By early evening, conditions will begin to change. The heat will ease off gradually, dropping to around 22°C (72°F) by 7:00 PM. A mix of clear and partly cloudy skies is expected, though the forecast hints that stability may not last for long.
Showers Could Shake Up the Finale
The real uncertainty lies in the later hours of the race weekend. From 9:00 PM onward, weather models show the possibility of showers sweeping through Baku. Temperatures could dip below 21°C (70°F) with cloudy skies taking over. If rain does arrive, it has the potential to turn strategy on its head, creating opportunities for bold tire choices and testing drivers’ skill on a slick street circuit.
Strategic Implications
For now, teams will likely prepare for a dry race but keep one eye firmly on the radar. Warm conditions will favor softer tire compounds early, but a sudden rain shower could demand a rapid switch to intermediates or wets, making pit wall calls crucial. The timing of the weather could be the deciding factor between victory and disappointment.
20
20
