Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix starts today in Baku
Baku, September 24, AZERTAC
The highly anticipated 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix begins today in Baku, with races scheduled to take place from September 24 to 26 on the city’s renowned street circuit.
This will be the tenth time the capital of Azerbaijan has hosted this prestigious global motorsport event, further reinforcing the country’s standing on the international sporting stage.
A total of 20 drivers from 10 teams will compete for victory on a 6-kilometer circuit.
The Baku City Circuit will feature renowned drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc.
Among the longest tracks in the Formula 1 calendar, the Baku circuit has 20 turns. Starting at Freedom Square, it loops around the Government House, covers a 2.2 km route through the Old City to reach the Maiden Tower, and returns via Neftchilar Avenue. The 51-lap track, designed by acclaimed German architect Hermann Tilke, runs counterclockwise. Its widest point measures 13 meters, while the narrowest sections, including turns 7 and 8 in the Old City, are 7.6 meters.
During the race, drivers and millions of global viewers will enjoy stunning views of Baku’s UNESCO-listed Old City, modern architectural landmarks, and the Caspian Sea coastline.
The race’s start and finish lines are at Freedom Square, also home to the Paddock Club, team garages, and pit lane.
The cars hit the circuit for the first time at 10:00 local time as Formula 2 opening practice gets the action rolling. Formula 1 engines will roar to life shortly after, with the opening Free Practice session scheduled for 12:30.
Attention then turns back to the feeder series as Formula 2 drivers battle for position across two crucial qualifying sessions.
September 25 track action will culminate with Formula 1 returning for Free Practice 2.
September 25 brings high-stakes racing with Formula 1 practice alongside the wheel-to-wheel drama of the Formula 2 sprint race.
On September 26, the weekend will reach its climax with the main event: the main race.
Since 2016, Azerbaijan has hosted this prestigious motorsport event. The inaugural race, dubbed the European Grand Prix, was won by Germany’s Nico Rosberg. Subsequent winners include Daniel Ricciardo (Australia), Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain), Valtteri Bottas (Finland), Sergio Perez (Mexico), Max Verstappen (Netherlands), and Oscar Piastri (Australia). The 2020 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other news in this section
