Baku is once again at the centre of the Formula 1 world as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix returns to the city for a landmark 10th edition.
The wait is over. Formula 1 has arrived in Baku, bringing with it the unmistakable energy of race week: the sound of engines, the anticipation of qualifying, the spectacle of the paddock and the transformation of the city into a global meeting point for motorsport, culture and entertainment.
From 24 to 26 September, the Baku City Circuit will host the 15th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with this year’s Grand Prix taking place on Saturday, 26 September.
Ten years of Formula 1 in Baku
Baku’s relationship with Formula 1 began in 2016, when the city hosted the European Grand Prix. A year later, the event became the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive races on the calendar. In 2026, Baku celebrates a decade since Formula 1 first arrived on its streets.
What makes the Baku race so compelling is the circuit itself. At 6.003 kilometres, the Baku City Circuit combines exceptionally fast sections with some of the tightest and most technical corners in Formula 1. The track winds through the historic Icherisheher, passing the medieval city walls before opening onto the long waterfront straight.
It is a striking contrast: centuries of history on one side, cutting-edge motorsport on the other.
The narrowest section of the circuit, around Turns 8 and 9 in the Old City, is only 7.6 metres wide, leaving drivers virtually no room for error. Meanwhile, the 2.2-kilometre flat-out section along the seafront offers one of the most dramatic overtaking opportunities of the season.
A different kind of race weekend
The 2026 edition brings an unusual change to the traditional Formula 1 rhythm. Instead of Sunday, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be contested on Saturday, 26 September, with the change made to accommodate Azerbaijan’s national day on 27 September.
The weekend begins on Thursday with the first two Formula 1 practice sessions. Friday brings the final practice session and qualifying, before the main event on Saturday afternoon.
The Grand Prix itself is scheduled for 15:00 local time, with drivers completing 51 laps around the Baku City Circuit.
The championship arrives in Baku
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix also arrives at a crucial stage of the 2026 championship. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently leads the Drivers’ Championship, with teammate George Russell behind him, while Lando Norris enters the Baku weekend looking to return to the top after narrowly missing victory in Madrid.
Max Verstappen, meanwhile, returns to a circuit where he has already won twice. The Red Bull driver will be looking to add another Baku victory to his record, while Isack Hadjar is set to return to Formula 1 competition alongside Verstappen after recovering from a wrist injury.
Yet Baku has repeatedly demonstrated that history and expectations can quickly be rewritten. The city’s street circuit has produced surprise winners, unexpected podiums and dramatic championship moments since its Formula 1 debut.
Where speed meets the city
Formula 1 in Baku is about more than what happens on the track.
During race week, the capital becomes a vibrant backdrop for one of the world’s most recognisable sporting spectacles. The Old City, the Caspian waterfront and the modern skyline create a visual setting unlike any other Grand Prix venue.
This year, the anniversary edition will also bring major entertainment to the city, with Katy Perry and Calvin Harris among the international artists scheduled to perform during the race weekend.
For a few days, Baku speaks the language of Formula 1: speed, precision, design, technology and spectacle.
And as the cars prepare to take on one of the most challenging street circuits in the world, the city itself becomes part of the show.
