Baku:The 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix gets underway today in Baku, with events scheduled from September 24 to 26 on the city's famous street circuit.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, this marks the tenth occasion that Azerbaijan's capital has hosted the prestigious global motorsport event, highlighting the country's prominence on the international sporting stage.
The competition will see 20 drivers from 10 teams vie for victory on a 6-kilometer circuit. The Baku City Circuit is set to feature top drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc.
The track, among the longest in the Formula 1 calendar, includes 20 turns. It begins at Freedom Square, loops around the Government House, stretches 2.2 km through the Old City to the Maiden Tower, and returns via Neftchilar Avenue. Designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, the 51-lap track runs counterclockwise. Its widest point is 13 meters, with narrow sections, including turns 7 and 8 in the Old City, measuring 7.6 meters.
Drivers and millions of global viewers will witness stunning views of Baku's UNESCO-listed Old City, modern architectural landmarks, and the Caspian Sea coastline. Freedom Square hosts the start and finish lines, the Paddock Club, team garages, and pit lane.
The cars hit the track for the first time at 10:00 local time with Formula 2 opening practice. Formula 1 engines will come to life shortly after, with the opening Free Practice session set for 12:30. Attention will then return to the feeder series as Formula 2 drivers compete in two crucial qualifying sessions.
September 25 will feature Formula 1 Free Practice 2 and a Formula 2 sprint race. The weekend culminates on September 26 with the main Formula 1 race.
Since 2016, Azerbaijan has been a host for this esteemed motorsport event. The first race, known as the European Grand Prix, was won by Germany's Nico Rosberg. Other winners include Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. The 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.