Formula 1 returns to Baku, Azerbaijan, this weekend to celebrate ten years of the street circuit on the calendar. Since its debut as the European Grand Prix in 2016, Baku has delivered unforgettable drama—from Daniel Ricciardo's epic win in 2017, his clash with Max Verstappen a year later, to the chaos of 2021. Now, Baku hosts round 15 of the 2026 season, with only eight races left afterwards.
However, this edition brings a big surprise: the race will be held on Saturday, not Sunday. The decision was made because Azerbaijan observes Remembrance Day on Sunday, 27 September, to honor those who died in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. The schedule has shifted accordingly: media day on Wednesday, free practice 1 and 2 on Thursday, then free practice 3 and qualifying on Friday. The race itself will start at 3pm local time on Saturday. So make sure your reminders are set!
One of the hot topics ahead of the race is energy management. The new 2026 power unit regulations force drivers to carefully manage battery reserves, especially on Baku's long straight that easily depletes charge. A straightline mode (SM) will help, but energy harvesting remains a challenge. The FIA is closely monitoring the situation.
On the other hand, the performance of top teams is under scrutiny. Red Bull Racing and Ferrari are expected to battle fiercely again, while Mercedes and Aston Martin try to catch up. Drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc will surely want to add more wins at this demanding track.
Baku is also known for its dramatic incidents. The narrow corners and close walls often become a nightmare for drivers. This year, with the new generation of more agile cars, will we see more overtaking or more crashes? We'll have to wait and see.
Finally, weather and tire strategy will play a crucial role. Hot track temperatures and the abrasive nature of the street circuit could make one-stop or two-stop strategies critical. Teams must carefully choose the right tire compounds to maintain performance until the end.
With all these dynamics, the 2026 Azerbaijan GP promises a weekend full of intrigue. Don't miss the action!
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