Baku:The city is gearing up for its 10th anniversary hosting of the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Known for its unpredictable race outcomes, the Baku City Circuit has become a notable stop on the championship calendar, famous for unexpected victories and dramatic finishes. This year, the championship battle adds to the unpredictability, with season leader Kimi Antonelli arriving at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix holding an 81-point lead over his closest rival.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the schedule for this year's race weekend has been adjusted. Free practice sessions are set for Thursday, September 24, with qualifying on Friday and the main race on Saturday, September 26. The Baku City Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, first hosted a Formula 1 race in 2016 under the banner of the European Grand Prix. Since 2017, it has been known as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the only break in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Baku circuit features a 6.003-kilometer lap, with drivers completing 51 laps for a total distance of over 306 kilometers. The track's unique design includes a famous section running along the walls of the Old City, where the track narrows significantly, challenging drivers with its proximity to barriers. Additionally, teams face the difficulty of balancing aerodynamic downforce for the slow corners with the need for speed on the long straights.
Notable past events at the circuit include Valtteri Bottas reaching a speed of approximately 378 km/h in 2016, one of the highest ever recorded in Formula 1. The circuit has also been the site of memorable moments such as the 2017 incident between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, and various other pivotal race events affecting championship outcomes.
In recent years, drivers like Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen have made history with multiple wins at the circuit. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc has consistently secured pole positions but has yet to convert these into a race victory. As the 10th race approaches, Antonelli returns to Baku as the championship leader, having won eight of the first 14 races this season.
This year's event will also feature a new format for Formula 2, the only support series for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The expanded programme includes two qualifying sessions, a sprint, and two feature races, a format unique to the Baku round. As the 2026 race marks a decade of racing in Azerbaijan, the Baku City Circuit continues to be a challenging and thrilling venue for drivers and teams alike.