F1 PREVIEW LOOKS AT ANTONELLI'S LEAD BEFORE BAKU RACE

Radio 5 Live's F1: Chequered Flag podcast has released a preview of Formula 1's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, asking whether Kimi Antonelli can extend his championship lead when the sport heads to Baku. The 47-minute episode, published on 23 September, was presented by Rosanna Tennant with co-hosts Harry Benjamin and Marc Priestley. It explored the developing relationship between Antonelli and his race engineer, Pete Bonnington, including comments from Antonelli on how the partnership is progressing. Lando Norris also featured, repeating his view that the Virtual Safety Car is having too much influence on race outcomes. Arvid Lindblad joined Benjamin for his regular catch-up segment on the programme.

The programme said the Baku circuit is expected to suit Mercedes this weekend. Norris has raised his concerns about the Virtual Safety Car before, and used the episode to restate his position on its effect on race results. Separately, a report on F1 penalty points examined the drivers with the most points on their licence ahead of the Azerbaijan race, noting that the system exists to keep driving standards above a set threshold. Specific figures for individual drivers were not included in the material reviewed.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku is scheduled for this weekend, according to the programme. Antonelli's title lead, his relationship with Bonnington and Norris's comments on the Virtual Safety Car are all set to be in focus once racing gets under way. The FIA's penalty points system remains relevant for several drivers heading into the weekend, given its role in determining race bans for those who reach the threshold. Lindblad's appearance on the programme reflected his continuing involvement in Formula 1 coverage alongside Benjamin.