Key Highlights
- Formula 1 heads to the Baku City Circuit for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the race scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time.
- Kimi Antonelli holds a commanding 81-point lead in the drivers’ championship after his Madrid victory, while Lando Norris seeks redemption after missing a potential win from pole position.
- Formula 2 continues its 2026 campaign in Baku for Round 12 with championship leader Nikola Tsolov in action across a packed support-race schedule beginning Thursday, September 24.
Formula 1 Arrives in Baku for Critical Championship Weekend
The Formula 1 circus touches down in Azerbaijan this week for the ninth running of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit, marking the venue’s 10th Formula 1 outing since its debut as the European Grand Prix in 2016. The street circuit, renowned for its dramatic blend of high-speed straights and tight, twisty sections winding through the city’s historic old town and medieval walls, sets the stage for a pivotal weekend in the 2026 championship battle.
Championship Dynamics: Antonelli Extends Lead, Norris Hunts Redemption
Kimi Antonelli arrives in Baku with a formidable 81-point advantage at the top of the drivers’ standings following his victory at the previous round in Madrid. That race delivered a significant twist: polesitter Lando Norris, driving for McLaren, failed to convert his grid position into a win, handing Antonelli a crucial psychological and numerical edge. The McLaren driver will be desperate to bounce back on a circuit that has historically produced unpredictable outcomes, while Antonelli aims to continue his commanding run of form and tighten his grip on the title.
Baku’s Unique Challenge and Historical Winners
The Baku City Circuit’s distinctive layout—looping around the Caspian Sea waterfront and through the narrow streets of the old town—has consistently tested driver precision and car reliability. Over the years, only two drivers have managed multiple victories at this venue: Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, both of whom have stood on the top step of the podium twice. Their success underscores the circuit’s demand for a blend of outright speed, tire management, and race craft, qualities that will be essential again this weekend.
Session Schedule and Global Broadcast Details
The weekend kicks off unusually early with Free Practice 1 on Thursday, September 24 at 12:30 local time, followed by Free Practice 2 at 16:00. Friday, September 25 sees Free Practice 3 at 12:30 and Qualifying at 16:00, setting the grid for the Grand Prix itself on Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time. Comprehensive global start times for all sessions are available via the official Formula 1 race hub.
Fans can watch every session live on F1 TV Pro (available in selected territories), which offers ad-free coverage, onboard cameras from all 22 cars, and pre- and post-race shows in six languages. The service streams via Apple TV, Chromecast (Gen 2+), Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. For an enhanced experience, F1 TV Premium provides 4K Ultra HD/HDR streaming on up to six devices simultaneously, plus a personalized Multiview feature with 26 selectable feeds on compatible devices. The platform also includes live coverage of F2, F3, F1 ACADEMY, and Porsche Supercup sessions. Live timing remains accessible on F1.com and the official F1 app throughout the weekend.
Weather Outlook and Formula 2 Support Action
Current forecasts indicate mild and dry conditions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, though the circuit’s proximity to the Caspian Sea often brings gusty winds that have caught out drivers in previous years. Teams will need to monitor aerodynamic balance closely, particularly during qualifying and the race.
While Formula 3 concluded its season in Spain, the 2026 Formula 2 championship moves to Baku for Round 12. Championship leader Nikola Tsolov heads the field into a packed schedule: Qualifying, Practice, and Qualifying 2 all take place on Thursday, September 24. The Sprint Race runs Friday, September 25 at 08:15 local time, followed by Feature Race 1 at 14:15. Feature Race 2 is set for Saturday, September 26 at 11:00, providing a full day of junior single-seater action ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Why This Matters
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix represents a critical juncture in the 2026 Formula 1 season. With Kimi Antonelli holding an 81-point championship lead, the pressure mounts on rivals—particularly Lando Norris and McLaren—to close the gap before the calendar enters its latter stages. Baku’s history of safety cars, red flags, and strategic variability offers a prime opportunity for a momentum shift. Additionally, the circuit’s status as a street venue with limited run-off areas amplifies the importance of qualifying performance and race-day execution. For Formula 2, Baku hosts a triple-header weekend that could decisively shape the title fight, with Nikola Tsolov aiming to extend his advantage under the unique pressure of two feature races in two days. The event also marks the continued evolution of F1’s broadcast strategy, with F1 TV Premium’s 4K Multiview offering a glimpse into the future of personalized motorsport consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race start?
- The Grand Prix starts on Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time at the Baku City Circuit. Global start times vary by time zone and are listed on the official Formula 1 race hub.
- How can I watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix live?
- Live coverage is available on F1 TV Pro (ad-free, with onboards and multi-language commentary) and F1 TV Premium (4K UHD/HDR, Multiview, up to six devices). Both services stream via major smart TV platforms. Live timing is also free on F1.com and the F1 app.
- Who are the most successful drivers at the Baku City Circuit?
- Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen are the only drivers to have won multiple times in Baku, each with two victories. The circuit has produced a variety of winners since its 2016 debut as the European Grand Prix.
