What makes the Azerbaijan Grand Prix special – and why you should see it

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has become one of Formula 1’s most distinctive events, pairing a high-speed street circuit with Baku’s old city walls and Caspian Sea waterfront.

Formula 1 first raced in Baku in 2016, when the event was held as the European Grand Prix. Since becoming the Azerbaijan Grand Prix the following year, it has produced unpredictable races, surprise podiums and decisive championship moments.

In 2026, Baku marks a decade on the F1 calendar. Here are the features and stories that make the event such a compelling test.

Chaos by the castle

The uphill run through Turns 8 to 10 threads between the medieval walls of Baku’s Icheri Sheher old city. It is one of the narrowest passages on the calendar, with little room for a driver to correct a mistake.

That challenge caught out Charles Leclerc in 2019 Qualifying. After hitting the barrier at Turn 8 in Q2, the Ferrari driver delivered the memorable self-assessment: “I am stupid.” The session actually featured two red flags – one for Robert Kubica’s Q1 crash and another for Leclerc’s accident.

The risk is not confined to the castle section though. Fast approaches and heavy braking zones elsewhere around the lap punish lock-ups, while the barriers leave little margin for recovery.

When is the next Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend runs from Thursday 24 September to Saturday 26 September. Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 take place on Thursday, followed by Free Practice 3 and Qualifying on Friday. The Grand Prix starts at 1500 local time on Saturday.

Check out the RACE HUB to see when each F1 session starts in your local time zone, wherever you are in the world.

Why we love the Baku City Circuit?

The 6.003km Baku City Circuit is a contrast in extremes. Its 20 corners include slow, technical sections through the old city and a 2.2km flat-out run along the seafront, where the slipstream can create overtaking opportunities into Turn 1.

Teams must balance downforce for the tight middle sector against lower drag for the long straight. Drivers, meanwhile, need confidence under braking without overstepping the narrow limits of a street circuit.

The combination makes Baku difficult to predict: a car that excels in one part of the lap can be vulnerable in another, and a well-timed tow can transform an attack along the main straight.

The weekend schedule is full of action and there's plenty to look forward to every day, with F1 Free Practice, Qualifying and the Grand Prix all supported by other categories. That means even more opportunities to see cars on track.

There’s fantastic live entertainment, enthusiastic support and a superb atmosphere.

During the day there's the stacked F1 Fanzone too, with activities, entertainment and the chance to see drivers and team representatives live on stage.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will also mark the 10th anniversary of the circuit in style with performances by world-renowned artists Katy Perry and Calvin Harris across the race weekend.

Memorable moments in Baku

Baku has served up some magical moments throughout the years since its first F1 race weekend back in 2016.

Here’s a selection to whet your appetite for more…

2016 – Nico Rosberg won the inaugural race in Baku, held as the European Grand Prix, from pole position after leading every lap. Sergio Perez finished third for Force India despite starting seventh following a grid penalty.

2017 – Daniel Ricciardo recovered from 10th on the grid to win an incident-packed race. Lance Stroll finished third for Williams, while Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel clashed during a Safety Car period.

2018 – Valtteri Bottas lost a likely victory to a puncture with three laps remaining, handing the win to Hamilton. Earlier, the Red Bull cars of Ricciardo and Max Verstappen collided, while Leclerc scored his first Formula 1 points with sixth place for Sauber.

2021 – Tyre failures for Verstappen and Stroll reshaped the race before a two-lap restart. Hamilton ran straight on at Turn 1 after accidentally selecting his brake ‘magic’ setting, allowing Perez to win for Red Bull Racing.

2024 – Oscar Piastri passed Leclerc for the lead and won for McLaren. A late collision between Carlos Sainz and Perez while they fought for third promoted George Russell to the podium.

2025 – Verstappen completed a Grand Slam by taking pole position, leading every lap and setting the fastest lap. Russell finished second for Mercedes, with Sainz third to secure his first Williams podium, while Piastri crashed out on the opening lap.

How can I watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

Nothing beats being there! Head to F1 Tickets to secure your place and catch all the action in person. F1 Experiences has a great range of premium ticket packages too, getting you closer to Formula 1 than ever before.

For details of the broadcaster in your area, click here.

You can also watch the drama unfold via F1 TV Pro (in selected countries only).