Podcast: Charles Leclerc vs 21 F1 drivers. His back-of-the-grid challenge in Baku

Charles Leclerc is dynamite in Baku: he started in pole position for four years in a row and is regularly the fastest on track in the race. But he’s never won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

He’s expected to start at the back of the grid on Saturday due to engine penalties so it doesn’t look like he’ll win in 2026… or could he?

Just as Max Verstappen battled past 100 karts in a showcase race earlier this month, now Leclerc faces his own F1 challenge to overtake every rival driver to claim an unlikely win for the Leclerc/Ferrari combination that has often been the fastest in Baku.

“Game on!” says Mark Hughes as he delves into what makes Leclerc so quick on this circuit, and assess his chances of victory.

He and Bryn Lucas also explore why Baku is often the scene of unlikely and inexplicable F1 dramas; whether McLaren can challenge Mercedes; and why there’s plenty to watch for, even if Kimi Antonelli looks destined to win the title.

There’s a look ahead at the 2027 F1 calendar and the prospect of F1 drivers racing at Le Mans, which no longer clashes with a grand prix weekend. Will we see Lando Norris in action with McLaren‘s hypercar?

Plus, Mark answers your questions on F1’s sprint race plans; a whistlestop history of Ferrari power in grand prix racing; and tries to decode what is holding Red Bull back.

We’ll feature more listener questions next week. Don’t forget to post yours below.

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