Formula 1 heads to Baku this weekend for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the 15th round of the 2026 season, as the championship enters its later stages.
The race weekend will run from September 24 to 26, with the Grand Prix scheduled for Saturday rather than the usual Sunday to avoid a clash with Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day on September 27.
The championship arrives in Azerbaijan after the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring, where Kimi Antonelli claimed his eighth victory of the season and extended his lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell to 81 points.
The Italian did not have everything under control from the start in Madrid, however. Lando Norris took pole position and led the opening stages before a Virtual Safety Car changed the race. The timing allowed Antonelli to gain a strategic advantage, while a slow pit stop further hurt Norris’ chances. The McLaren driver eventually finished third behind Antonelli and Max Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton’s race ended early because of brake problems, while Russell finished fifth. The result nevertheless gave Mercedes another strong points haul as the team continued to strengthen its position at the top of the constructors’ championship.
Read also : Formula 1: Kimi Antonelli wins inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madring
From Madrid to Baku
The move to Baku brings a very different challenge from the tight and relatively new Madring circuit.
The Baku City Circuit has been part of the Formula 1 calendar since 2016, initially hosting the European Grand Prix before becoming the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 2017.
The 6.003-kilometre street circuit combines narrow sections through Baku’s old town with long, high-speed stretches, creating a layout where a small mistake can have a major impact on a driver’s race.
Its long main straight provides a major overtaking opportunity, while the tight section around the old city leaves very little room for error.
The circuit’s combination of low-speed corners and high-speed sections also makes car setup particularly important.
Baku has regularly produced unpredictable races, with Safety Car periods and incidents around the walls capable of changing the order.
Pole position has also not guaranteed success at the circuit, with only three Azerbaijan Grands Prix having been won from pole.
Mercedes leads both championships
After 14 rounds, Mercedes holds a clear advantage in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
Antonelli leads the drivers’ standings with 292 points, 81 ahead of Russell. His eight victories have been a major part of Mercedes’ strong season so far, while the team’s two drivers have consistently scored points at the front of the field.
Mercedes has also built a substantial lead in the constructors’ championship. The team sits on 503 points, 145 ahead of Ferrari, which has 358, with McLaren further back on 306. Mercedes has won 10 of the 14 races completed so far.
That gives Mercedes a strong position as the season moves into its later stages, while Ferrari and McLaren still have several rounds to close the gap. The size of the deficit means the leading team currently has considerable room for error, although the remaining races provide opportunities for rivals to reduce the difference.
For the drivers chasing Antonelli, Norris remains one of the main names to watch after coming close to victory in Madrid. Verstappen, meanwhile, finished second in Spain and arrives in Baku looking for his first F1 victory of the season after scoring six podiums so far.
Upgrades add another variable
The battle at the front could also be influenced by the upgrades being introduced this weekend. Several teams are bringing new developments to Baku, including McLaren and Red Bull.
Their performance will be particularly interesting on a circuit that places different demands on the cars, with long straights requiring strong top speed while the slower sections reward stability and traction.
That could create another layer to the battle between the leading teams, particularly as Mercedes looks to maintain its advantage and its rivals search for performance gains.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule (Moroccan time)
Friday, September 25
Free Practice 3: 09:30 – 10:30 Qualifying: 13:00 – 14:00
Saturday, September 26
Grand Prix race: 12:00
