P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A major change has been announced ahead of this weekend’s race as F1 heads to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the F1 announced a major change in tyre compounds, with Pirelli opting for the softest trio for the Baku City Circuit, aiming to potentially introduce varied strategies during the race. The shift to softer compounds is primarily due to the low levels of tyre wear at Baku, which could have led to one-stop races with the previous selection. Last year, Pierre Gasly showcased the durability of the hard tyres by completing 50 laps before switching to softs. Although a two-stop race is hoped for, it’s not guaranteed as seen in Monza, where drivers managed their tyres effectively. The street circuit’s high likelihood of a safety car (57% chance in 2024) and challenging corners may affect race strategies. In related F1 news, Sebastian Vettel expressed his excitement for a dream role with Audi, while drama unfolded around George Russell’s Mercedes contract and Max Verstappen’s absence in the upcoming race.
