Formula 1 extends Azerbaijan Grand Prix contract through 2030

Great news for motorsport fans! The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has secured its place on the Formula One calendar until at least 2030. This contract extension, announced on Saturday, ensures that fans can continue to enjoy the thrilling races in Baku, known for its stunning backdrop and exciting street circuit. This move not only highlights the growing popularity of F1 in the region but also promises to bring more economic benefits and tourism to Azerbaijan.

The provisional starting grid for the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been revealed, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen taking the pole position. This is exciting news for F1 fans as it sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling race in Baku, showcasing the intense competition and skill of the drivers. Verstappen's strong performance highlights Red Bull's dominance in the current season, making this event a key moment in the championship.

Lewis Hamilton faced disappointment during the F1 qualifying session in Baku, where he was eliminated in Q2 after being outpaced by his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton expressed frustration over his choice of tyre compound, suggesting it was not suited for the conditions. This incident highlights the critical role of strategy in racing and how a single decision can significantly impact a driver's performance and championship standings.

Max Verstappen has secured pole position in a thrilling qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was marked by an unprecedented six red flags. This remarkable achievement not only highlights Verstappen's skill and determination but also adds excitement to the upcoming race, as fans eagerly anticipate how this will impact the competition.

Max Verstappen has secured pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in a thrilling and chaotic qualifying session that saw multiple driver mishaps and six red flags. This performance highlights Verstappen's skill and dominance in the sport, while also showcasing the unpredictability of F1, as unexpected contenders like Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson emerged in the top positions. The session's drama not only adds excitement for fans but also sets the stage for a potentially thrilling race ahead.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to remain a fixture on the Formula One calendar until 2030, ensuring fans can continue to enjoy the thrilling races in Baku. This decision highlights the significance of the event, particularly with its unique street circuit that features one of the narrowest turns in F1. The continuation of this race not only boosts local tourism but also reinforces Azerbaijan's growing reputation in the world of motorsport.

Lando Norris has shown impressive form by topping the third practice session (FP3) for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing two tenths ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. This performance not only boosts Norris's confidence but also sets an exciting tone for the upcoming qualifying session, highlighting his potential to compete at the highest level in Formula 1.

The 2026 MotoAmerica schedule has been announced, featuring nine rounds and 20 races, including the prestigious Daytona 200 as a points-paying event. This is exciting news for motorsport fans as it highlights the growing popularity of motorcycle racing in the U.S. and promises thrilling competition across various venues.

This weekend promises thrilling sports action with the Women's Rugby World Cup semifinals and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Fans can look forward to top-notch coverage and insights from The Guardian, ensuring they don't miss a moment of the excitement. These events are significant as they showcase the growing popularity of women's sports and the high-octane world of motorsport, drawing in diverse audiences and fostering community engagement.

In an exciting start to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Lando Norris topped the first practice session, leading a strong 1-2 finish for McLaren, with teammate Oscar Piastri close behind. Despite some red flag delays and track issues, this performance highlights McLaren's growing competitiveness in the Formula 1 season. Fans are eager to see if this momentum can carry into the race weekend.

McLaren is gearing up for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a strong chance of clinching the F1 constructors' title. The team's philosophy of 'Let 'em race' is being tested as they navigate the competitive dynamics between drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Their recent decision at the Italian Grand Prix to prioritize Norris over Piastri due to a slow pit stop highlights the complexities of team strategy. This upcoming race is crucial not just for the title but also for solidifying McLaren's position in the sport, making it an exciting moment for fans and the team alike.

Mike Shildt, the manager of the San Diego Padres, recently reflected on his playing career, humorously labeling himself a 'terrible player.' Despite this self-critique, Shildt's leadership has led the Padres to a promising playoff appearance in 2024 and earned him a two-year contract extension through 2027. This highlights the importance of effective management in sports, showing that success can come from strong leadership, even if one's playing days weren't stellar.

The Toronto Blue Jays are making a strategic change as they approach the playoffs, moving pitcher Jose Berrios to the bullpen after a tough loss to the Kansas City Royals. Manager John Schneider's decision highlights the team's urgency to optimize their roster for the postseason. This adjustment could be crucial for the Blue Jays' performance in the upcoming games, as they aim to strengthen their pitching lineup and enhance their chances of success in the playoffs.

The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 semi-final between France and England is set to kick off at 3:30 PM BST, promising an exciting match for fans. This event is significant as it showcases the growing popularity and competitiveness of women's rugby on a global stage, highlighting the athletes' skills and dedication. With players like Mo Hunt and Kildunne taking center stage, the match is expected to draw considerable attention and support, further elevating the profile of women's sports.

As the Big 12 football season kicks off, excitement is building around the match-up between Texas Tech and Utah. The FOX Big Noon Kickoff crew has shared their predictions on which teams are likely to dominate this season. This is significant as it sets the tone for the competition ahead and gives fans insight into expert opinions, making the games even more thrilling to watch.

In a worrying development for Paris Saint-Germain, coach Luis Enrique is facing a potential setback ahead of the crucial derby against Olympique de Marseille. Star player Bradley Barcola is reportedly dealing with an injury that could sideline him for the match. This news is significant as Barcola's absence could impact PSG's performance in one of their most important fixtures of the season, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.

Tottenham Hotspur faced a challenging match against Brighton, conceding twice as many goals as they had in their previous four games. However, under the leadership of Thomas Frank, the team managed to rally back and secure a 2-2 draw. This comeback is significant as it showcases the resilience of the squad and sets a positive tone for the rest of the season.