F1 2026: Azerbaijan Grand Prix Preview and Predictions
Formula One action returns this weekend a day earlier than usual, with the race taking place this Saturday in Baku.
As the action heats up heading into the business end of the season, we have a triple-header kicking off with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026.
Here, we present our preview and predictions for the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Red Bull’s lucky track
This weekend’s race will be the ninth one at the Baku City Circuit. Of the previous eight races held here, Red Bull have won five, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez having won two each, while Daniel Ricciardo won the inaugural race back in 2017. Most recently, Oscar Piastri’s win for McLaren in 2024 was the only time since 2020 that a non-Red Bull driver won in Baku.
It is safe to say that the Azerbaijan track is a strong one for the Austrian outfit, with its street layout supporting their car setup. Moreover, Red Bull have been on an upward trajectory over the last couple of races, with Verstappen having picked up four podiums in the last five races, including two second-place and third-place finishes each. While Red Bull have had to make do with Liam Lawson standing in for Isack Hadjar for the last three races, they still have been able to put up double points finishes in all but one race since coming back from the summer break.
Given Max Verstappen’s recent form, expect the four-time world champion to take the fight to the likes of Mercedes and McLaren. We have the Dutchman as a surprise favourite for the race win over the Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari duos.
Dark horse: Max Verstappen
Can Antonelli leave his challengers in the dust?
Along with Red Bull, the only other team on the grid who have won multiple times at Baku is Mercedes. In fact, the three times Red Bull haven’t won here, the winning drivers have raced in machinery backed by Mercedes power units: Mercedes themselves have won twice, with McLaren winning in 2024 using a Mercedes PU.
This will be a welcome sign for championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who after back-to-back wins in Italy and Spain is now 81 points clear at the top of the Drivers’ standings. Antonelli looks in unstoppable form and is storming towards a record-breaking maiden world title. While Red Bull have been the strongest contenders in Baku, Mercedes’ form this season makes it hard for anyone to look past them. Antonelli and George Russell will both be in the reckoning along with the other favourites on Saturday.
The Mercedes engine works well in Baku. Even the Williams FW47 that got Carlos Sainz on the podium last year was backed by a Mercedes engine. While Red Bull will have the upper hand on a track they have dominated since the very beginning, looking past Mercedes would be daft.
Expect Antonelli and Russell to be in a fight with Verstappen. A win or even a strong result for the young Italian would further push him towards that title, which he is now looking increasingly likely to seal within the next few races.
Pole prediction: Kimi Antonelli / George Russell
Race winners prediction: Mercedes / Red Bull
Racing through the midfield
One team who have been making moves through the field in the Constructors’ battle are Racing Bulls, who are on a strong run in the middle of the grid, having scored points in every single race since the Canadian Grand Prix, barring the Zandvoort race.
Before the Dutch Grand Prix, Arvid Lindblad was on a six-race scoring streak, consistently getting his VCARB 03 not only into Q3 but also among the points on Sunday.
After the front four, Racing Bulls have been the best of the rest, having overtaken the likes of Alpine and the struggling Aston Martin to sit fifth in the Constructors’ table. They have been strong on street circuits this season, and we expect Lindblad and Co to have another strong weekend in Baku.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026: Race details
Circuit: Baku City Circuit
Venue: Azadliq Square, Baku, Azerbaijan
Practice Session 1 time: 14:00 IST, September 24, 2026
Practice Session 2 time: 17:30 IST, September 24, 2026
Practice Session 3: 14:00 IST, September 25, 2026
Qualifying time: 17:30 IST, September 25, 2026
Main race time: 16:30 IST, September 26, 2026
Where to watch: F1 TV Pro / FanCode
