News318 stories
RSS ↗
via f1chronicle.comBaku Track Guide: A Corner-By-Corner BreakdownThe Baku City Circuit is notable for its 2.2 kilometre straight, the longest in Formula 1, which contributes to some of the highest speeds seen in the sport. Charles Leclerc holds both the race and qualifying lap records at this circuit, while Valtteri Bottas's speed of 378 km/h remains the fastest recorded in a session. The circuit's unique layout includes a narrow section through the Old City, which has been the site of numerous crashes over the years.
The 2025 qualifying session was particularly chaotic, setting a record for the number of red flags, with notable crashes from drivers like Alex Albon and Charles Leclerc. The circuit's technical sections, including the challenging castle section and the final corners, require precise driving due to the close proximity of walls. Starting from 2026, new regulations will introduce an Overtake Mode detection point, enhancing the strategic elements of racing at Baku.
Wed 23 Sep · 22:43 UTC
via f1chronicle.comVasseur highlights Ferrari's struggles in AzerbaijanFerrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged the team's performance issues during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, particularly on the long straights. Despite showing potential earlier in the season, Ferrari has only secured one podium in their last five races.+ 2 moreWed 23 Sep · 22:09 UTC
via F1iAzerbaijan GP: Wednesday's media day in picturesThe Formula 1 paddock has gathered in Baku for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which is set to unfold this weekend. This event marks round 15 of the current F1 World Championship, promising to add another layer of excitement to a season already filled with unexpected developments.
The media day has commenced, showcasing the first set of images from the Azerbaijan GP. The weekend is anticipated to be unusual with the race scheduled for Saturday, and the season continues to be characterised by intrigue and a surprising leader in the championship standings.
Wed 23 Sep · 18:12 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar returns to F1 with improved Red BullIsack Hadjar has made a successful return to Formula 1 during practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury. The Frenchman stated that his Red Bull feels better than when he last drove it.
+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Baku F2 Time Schedule - 2026 F1 Azerbaijan Grand PrixThe 2026 Formula 2 championship's round 12 will occur in Baku, coinciding with the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The schedule has been adjusted to accommodate the Azerbaijan Day of Remembrance, moving all events forward by one day. As a result, Practice and Qualifying will take place on Thursday, followed by the Sprint Race on Friday and Feature Races on Saturday.
This weekend will feature an additional qualifying session and an extra feature race due to uncertainty surrounding upcoming rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Qualifying Session 1 will set the grid for both the Sprint Race and Feature Race 1, while Qualifying Session 2 will determine the grid for Feature Race 2. Each qualifying session will last 20 minutes, and the pole-sitter will earn two championship points.
Wed 23 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via the-race.comF1 drivers braced for 'super unnatural' challenge in BakuFormula 1 drivers are preparing for the unique challenges posed by the Baku circuit during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The track's long flat-out run creates significant issues for the energy-starved 2026 cars, requiring drivers to manage their battery usage carefully. Ollie Bearman highlighted the 'super unnatural' power delivery experienced on short straights, which can lead to drastic differences in acceleration out of corners. Pierre Gasly and Fernando Alonso echoed concerns about the importance of battery levels and the potential dangers of closing speeds during qualifying and the race.
Additionally, the unpredictable wind conditions in Baku, influenced by surrounding buildings, are expected to complicate driving further. Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad discussed the challenges posed by gusty winds, which could lead to inconsistent handling on the street circuit. As drivers brace for these conditions, the focus will be on safety and performance management throughout the weekend.
Wed 23 Sep · 16:34 UTC
via Motorsport.com2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend begins in BakuThe 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend has commenced in Baku, with activities starting earlier than usual. Free practice sessions began on Thursday, leading up to the race on Sunday.
+ 5 moreWed 23 Sep · 16:33 UTC.webp)
via Formula1.comAll the stories that got the Baku paddock talkingKimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, is maintaining a cautious approach regarding his title aspirations ahead of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite a strong performance that has seen him secure eight victories in 14 weekends, Antonelli is focused on taking each race one at a time, stressing the need to keep delivering results.
With a significant lead of 81 points over his Mercedes teammate George Russell and nine races left in the season, Antonelli remains committed to his strategy of continuous improvement. He acknowledges the pressure of the championship but believes that concentrating on his driving will ultimately determine the outcome.
Wed 23 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen onboard of Baku City Circuit lapThe Baku City Circuit is known for its unique layout, featuring a long straight that provides significant overtaking opportunities, particularly at Turn 1. The circuit's narrow sections, especially in the castle area, present a challenging test for drivers navigating the tight confines of Baku's old town.
Max Verstappen showcases the circuit in the official F1 25 video game, updated for the 2026 season. This onboard lap highlights the extremes of the track, combining high-speed sections with tight corners, making it one of the most exciting street circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.Wed 23 Sep · 16:05 UTC
via the-race.comEverything we learned on day one at F1's Azerbaijan GPThe Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend has kicked off with significant updates from various teams, particularly McLaren, which is testing revised sidepods aimed at improving performance. Meanwhile, George Russell from Mercedes is strategically delaying his engine change to align with upcoming upgrades, while Lewis Hamilton has found a way to potentially avoid a grid penalty by managing his power unit's mileage effectively.
In driver market news, Esteban Ocon is expected to part ways with Haas, leaving his future uncertain. Additionally, Alex Albon has confirmed that Williams has successfully reduced its car weight, which should enhance their performance. The weekend also saw discussions among drivers regarding the new Monaco sprint race format, with Hamilton expressing a unique perspective amidst some dissent among his peers.Wed 23 Sep · 15:28 UTC
via F1iRussell dodges Baku engine penalty after Mercedes change of planGeorge Russell won’t be taking an engine penalty at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as initially expected, but...Wed 23 Sep · 14:12 UTC
via grandprix.comWolff set to miss Baku as Mercedes faces title testToto Wolff will not attend the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, opting to follow the event remotely while Bradley Lord takes over as the trackside leader for Mercedes. This absence comes as the team prepares for a challenging series of three consecutive races, with Kimi Antonelli currently leading the Drivers' Championship by a significant margin.
Wolff has previously missed races, and his absence raises questions about how effectively Mercedes will operate with Lord in charge. The team is focused on ensuring reliability and execution during this critical stretch, as they also work on a development package for the upcoming races in Malaysia and Singapore.
via PlanetF1Pierre Gasly rules out ‘Monza 2.0’ as Alpine target midfield fight in BakuPierre Gasly has stated that he does not expect to achieve a pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix similar to his recent success at Monza. While both circuits share some characteristics, Gasly believes that Baku presents unique challenges that differ from those at Monza, particularly with its combination of long straights and tight corners.
Gasly is hopeful that Alpine can compete effectively within the midfield during the race. He highlighted the importance of managing battery usage and the impact of strong winds expected during qualifying, which could affect performance. Despite his confidence, he has ruled out the possibility of a 'Monza 2.0' scenario this weekend.
Wed 23 Sep · 09:31 UTC
via AutosportWhat would you like to ask Emerson Fittipaldi?Emerson Fittipaldi, the two-time Formula 1 world champion, will be available to answer questions from Autosport readers at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 24 September. His illustrious career includes championships with Lotus and McLaren, as well as an IndyCar title in 1989.
Fittipaldi is also known for racing for his own team in Formula 1 and currently supports his son, who competes in Formula 2 with AIX Racing. Readers are encouraged to submit their questions ahead of the event.
Wed 23 Sep · 09:26 UTC
via Formula1.comEverything you need to know about the Baku City CircuitThe Baku City Circuit is a prominent venue in Formula 1, known for its unique challenges and thrilling races. With a length of 6.003km and 20 turns, it has hosted the Azerbaijan Grand Prix since 2017, following its debut in 2016 as the European Grand Prix. The circuit is famous for its long straight, which is the longest on the F1 calendar at 2.2km, and has seen dramatic moments, including clashes between top drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.
Driving the Baku circuit requires a balance between downforce and low drag, making it a test of technical skill for racers. Notable features include the tricky Turn 1 and the narrow 'Old Town' complex. The circuit has also introduced new aerodynamic modes, such as Straight Mode and Overtake Mode, enhancing the racing experience. With records like Charles Leclerc's lap time and Red Bull's wins, Baku continues to be a key highlight in the F1 calendar.Wed 23 Sep · 07:44 UTC
via newsonf1.comWolff absent as Antonelli enters gruelling title runToto Wolff will not attend the upcoming race in Baku as the Formula 1 championship enters a challenging phase, with a tight schedule ahead. Bradley Lord will take over Wolff's trackside duties during this period. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is set to return to the Red Bull team after recovering from a wrist injury, while Liam Lawson will revert to Racing Bulls after a successful stint alongside Max Verstappen.
Kimi Antonelli is currently leading the championship with an 81-point advantage and is focused on maintaining his lead through the demanding upcoming races. He expressed confidence in his physical readiness for the challenges ahead. Despite Mercedes not having made significant upgrades since May, further developments are anticipated in the coming races, and Antonelli's performance is expected to remain strong as he aims for his first title.
via Sky Sports F1Ferrari set Baku target as Rosberg pinpoints team's repeat flawFerrari's recent performance has been disappointing, with only one podium finish in the last five races, which has hindered their championship aspirations. Team principal Frederic Vasseur highlighted the importance of executing race weekends effectively, especially ahead of the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where confidence and precision are crucial due to the challenging street circuit.
Nico Rosberg pointed out that Ferrari's pace is competitive, but their execution during races has consistently let them down. He noted that the team's strategy and communication issues remain significant weaknesses, which have prevented them from capitalising on their potential. With the Constructors' Championship slipping further away, Ferrari faces pressure to improve their performance in the remaining races.
Wed 23 Sep · 05:08 UTC
via PlanetF1Azerbaijan GP predictions: Leclerc no Antonelli, Russell desperation bites, rookie breakthroughThe Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set for this weekend, with George Russell needing a win to keep his championship hopes alive, as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 88 points. Russell's desperation may lead to risky driving, especially in the challenging Baku circuit, which has seen multiple crashes in previous years.
Charles Leclerc is likely to face a grid penalty due to engine issues, making a strong performance unlikely. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly is looking to replicate his previous pole position success, and rookie Arvid Lindblad is expected to perform well, potentially finishing in the top five.Wed 23 Sep · 04:54 UTC
via RacingNews365Sergio Perez armed with fresh Cadillac weapon in Baku happy hunting groundSergio Perez is set to race in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with an upgraded Ferrari engine, marking his return to Baku after two years. He is the most successful driver in the history of this race, having achieved two wins and multiple podium finishes. Perez is optimistic about breaking Cadillac's points drought, as the team has struggled this season, with their best result being 13th place.
In his last appearance in Baku, Perez showcased strong performance despite a challenging season, out-qualifying Max Verstappen and contending for a podium before a crash. He expressed eagerness to replicate his past success at the circuit and aims to establish a good rhythm during practice sessions to secure a positive result for his team.Tue 22 Sep · 17:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari fear ‘complex’ Baku issue could add to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s woesFerrari is apprehensive about the upcoming 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, particularly regarding potential tyre graining issues that could affect both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Despite having a strong qualifying record in Baku, the team has never secured a victory at this circuit, and they are aware that finding the right car setup will be crucial for success.
The team is also concerned about the grip levels on Baku's city streets, which are rated low by Pirelli. With the softest tyre compounds being used for the race, Ferrari understands that managing tyre performance will be essential. Previous races have shown that any issues with tyre graining could further complicate their chances, especially given their struggles with straight-line speed compared to competitors like Mercedes.Tue 22 Sep · 16:00 UTCPage 14 of 16