The Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit is one of Formula 1's most unpredictable races.
The 6.003 km street circuit combines a very long flat-out straight with the ultra-tight castle section through Baku's Old City, creating a unique challenge for drivers and engineers.
KEY STORYLINES
Overtaking opportunities are among the best on the F1 calendar thanks to the lengthy main straight and heavy braking into Turn 1.
Mistakes are costly because the walls are extremely close, especially around the famous castle section. Safety Cars and unexpected incidents are common features of races in Baku.
The circuit has produced a wide variety of winners, highlighting its unpredictable nature. Seven different drivers have won in the first nine races held here.
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Friday, 24 September SS Motorsport, Motorsport Africa, Maximo 1
Practice 1: 10:25am
Practice 2: 1:45pm
Saturday, 25 September SS Motorsport, Motorsport Africa, Maximo 1
Practice 3: 10:15am
Qualifying: 1:55pm
Sunday, 26 September SS Motorsport, Motorsport Africa, Maximo 1
Race: 12:55pm
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Into the triple headers we go! First stop: 📍Baku pic.twitter.com/kCQhsWTwVJ
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) September 21, 2026
DRIVERS TO WATCH
Max Verstappen is a two-time winner in Baku and shares the record for most Azerbaijan GP victories.
Charles Leclerc has historically been exceptionally quick over one lap around Baku and holds the circuit lap record.
Oscar Piastri showed in 2024 that precision and race management can be rewarded on this demanding street circuit.
WHAT WILL DECIDE THE RACE?
Qualifying position and track position.
Managing tyre wear on the long, high-speed straights.
Avoiding walls and incidents in the narrow middle sector.
Capitalising on any safety car opportunities.
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