F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Picks: Verstappen, Red Bull Ready to Challenge McLaren

  • What: 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
  • When: September 21, 2025
  • Time:  7:00 a.m. EST
  • Where: Baku City Circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan

The Formula 1 Championship fight intensifies as the Baku City Circuit prepares for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

With the European portion of the Formula 1 season complete, the finish line for this year’s championship is coming into view.

The action shifts to Asia, where drivers will tackle the iconic Baku street circuit, covering 51 laps and nearly 190 miles. 

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had to settle for modest results at the Italian Grand Prix, but the McLaren teammates remain locked in a tight battle for the Drivers’ Championship.

At Monza, neither McLaren driver took the top spot—Norris finished second and Piastri third, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claiming victory.

McLaren had dominated up to the Italian Grand Prix, with Piastri and Norris finishing 1-2 in four of the previous five races. Norris has also captured three wins in the last six races.

Max Verstappen showcased his dominance at the Italian Grand Prix in the previous round, finishing an impressive 19 seconds ahead of the McLaren duo—even as many considered his car less competitive.

Before we look at the latest betting odds of the Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix, check out the top Formula 1 betting sites in 2025.

2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Odds

To Win 2025 Azerbaijan Grand PrixBetOnline Sportsbook & Casino Review 2026BetUS Sportsbook Review 2026Bovada Sportsbook Review 2026
Oscar Piastri+130+130+150
Lando Norris+140+165+160
Max Verstappen+400+400+400
Charles Leclerc+1000+900+900
George Russell+1600+2000+2000
Lewis Hamilton+2500+2500+2500
Kimi Antonelli+10000+10000+10000
Fernando Alonso+20000+20000+20000
Yuki Tsunoda+50000+50000+50000
Lance Stroll+50000+50000+50000
Pierre Gasly+50000+50000+50000
Franco Colapinto+50000+50000+50000
Esteban Ocon+50000+50000+50000
Oliver Bearman+50000+50000+50000
Liam Lawson+50000+50000+50000
Isack Hadjar+50000+50000+50000
Carlos Sainz+50000+50000+50000
Alex Albon+50000+50000+50000
Nico Hulkenberg+50000+50000+50000
Gabriel Bortoleto+50000+50000+50000

Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piastri has delivered a consistently strong season, securing podiums in 15 of 17 races. At the recent Italian Grand Prix, a slow pit stop for Lando Norris allowed Piastri to move into second place late in the race.

However, McLaren soon issued team orders instructing Piastri to relinquish the position back to Norris, acknowledging their error had cost Norris valuable track position.

This decision highlighted the internal battle, with Norris finishing second and Piastri settling for third as team dynamics continue to shape their rivalry.

I don’t like what I’m seeing from this McLaren team right now. I would pass on Piastri to win this race at this price. 

Oscar PiastriTO WIN 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
★★★★★
+130
Bet now

All our odds are taken from the best sites for F1 betting. You can read more about them on our How to Bet on Formula 1 online page.

Lando Norris

Lando Norris has shown exceptional form, finishing first or second in nine of the last 11 races and winning four of the last nine. His consistent pace keeps the championship close.

After suffering a DNF at the Dutch Grand Prix, Norris’s runner-up finish in Italy helped him close the gap in the F1 World Championship standings.

He now trails Piastri by just 31 points, escalating the competitive tension between the McLaren teammates as the season heads into its final stretch.

With both drivers pushing each other to new heights and the team’s strategy proving decisive, the battle for the title is set to go down to the wire.

McLaren’s fierce internal rivalry now takes center stage, promising high drama and unforgettable moments in the final rounds.

Exactly like the Piastri situation, I’m going to pass on taking either McLaren driver to finish on top of the podium at Baku. 

Lando NorrisTO WIN 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
★★★★★
+160
Bet now

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen’s recent performances have signaled a resurgence and a new level of maturity in his racing.

His commanding victory at the Italian Grand Prix marked his third win of the season and demonstrated his ability to capitalize on opportunities even when not considered the outright favorite.

Verstappen’s third-place finish at his home race in the Dutch Grand Prix also marked the end of a rare four-race podium drought, underscoring his resilience and determination to fight back into championship contention.

Notably, Verstappen has a proven track record at Baku, having won the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Despite these achievements and clear growth as a racer—showing greater composure, precision, and adaptability—Verstappen remains undervalued in the betting markets at +400.

If you are seeking a driver who can upset McLaren’s current dominance, consider backing Verstappen. I am absolutely betting on Max at this price.

Max VerstappenTO WIN 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
★★★★★
+400
Bet now

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso is an intriguing longshot for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at +2000 odds, due to his vast experience and proven skill on challenging circuits.

The two-time world champion consistently maximizes his car’s performance, especially on street tracks like Baku, where racecraft and strategy often matter more than pure speed.

Alonso has achieved multiple top-five finishes in Azerbaijan, and his ability to capitalize on chaotic races is well known. The Baku City Circuit is renowned for its unpredictable races and frequent safety car interventions—factors that favor Alonso.

Even without the fastest car in qualifying, his race-day intelligence and tire management could propel him up the field.

For bettors seeking value beyond the favorites, Alonso’s experience, opportunism, and grit make him a legitimate dark horse this weekend.

I wouldn’t bet more than a sprinkle on Alonso at this price, just a fun lotto ticket.

Fernando AlonsoTO WIN 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
★★★★★
+2000
Bet now

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Tony Reyes

Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. When he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends, Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accou...

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