McLaren could clinch Constructors title in Baku

The Formula 1 circus returns to the streets of Baku this weekend for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with practice beginning Friday, September 19, qualifying on Saturday and the race set for Sunday at 1200 BST. The event offers not just high-speed drama on the Baku City Circuit but a potential championship-clinching moment for McLaren in the Constructors Championship and lingering fallout from team orders at last week’s Italian Grand Prix.

McLaren arrive in Azerbaijan with a commanding 337-point lead over Ferrari, a margin that puts a title-clinching scenario on the table in Baku. Team calculations show McLaren could secure the constructors crown this weekend if they outscore Ferrari by nine points and avoid being outscored by Mercedes or Red Bull by large enough margins. Specifically, McLaren must ensure Mercedes do not score 12 or more points than them and Red Bull do not score 33 or more. Some outlets have published slightly different threshold numbers after running the permutations, but analysts agree the simplest path is another one-two finish for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, a result the duo have delivered several times this season.

Sealing the title in Baku would give...