Localised weather conditions threaten added variable to Azerbaijan GP

Tricky conditions threaten to add another variable to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Located on a peninsula on the edge of the Caspian Sea, Baku often gets localised weather, including strong winds.

A moderate breeze is anticipated for the F1 race itself, with northeastern gusts up to wind force four. However, wind-blown desert dust may prove a bigger issue for the field.

Not only does it reduce grip, it can cause the sun to fade and subsequent visibility problems - something further aided by the grand prix being later in the year this season, with sunset an hour earlier in September than April.

The latter issue, whilst unlikely to directly affect the race, caused Max Verstappen to struggle to see during practice, with the sun sitting lower in the sky. The Dutchman had to change helmet to prevent the problem.

There has been light rainfall at points throughout the weekend, notably during F2 practice and at the start of F1 FP3, but the grand prix is expected to remain dry throughout.

The air temperature is forecast to reach highs of 26°C with some cloud cover.