Baku is preparing to host its 10th Formula 1 Grand Prix, with the Azerbaijan race once again expected to deliver high-speed action and unpredictable moments.

Over the years, the Baku City Circuit has become known for records, surprise victories and dramatic finishes, earning a reputation as one of the most unpredictable tracks on the F1 calendar, according to the Baku City Circuit.

In 2026, the championship battle is adding another layer of intrigue. Season leader Kimi Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point advantage over his closest rival.

This year’s race weekend will also follow a different schedule. Free practice will take place on Thursday, September 24, qualifying is scheduled for Friday, and the main race will be held on Saturday, September 26.

The first Formula 1 race on the Hermann Tilke-designed Baku City Circuit was held in 2016 under the name European Grand Prix.

From 2017, the event has been known as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The race was held every year except 2020, when it was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Baku circuit is 6.003 kilometers long and features 20 corners. Drivers will complete 51 laps during the Grand Prix, covering more than 306 kilometers in total. The track runs counterclockwise.

One of its most famous sections winds through the walls of Icherisheher, where the track narrows to around 7.6 meters at Turn 8. With barriers positioned close to the racing line, drivers have very little room for error.

Another distinctive feature is the run from the starting grid to Turn 1. The distance from pole position to the braking point before the first corner is just 141 meters, creating a short but demanding opening section.

The circuit also presents a major setup challenge for teams. After the tight and slow corners around Icherisheher, drivers enter long, high-speed sections. Teams therefore have to balance the aerodynamic downforce needed through the corners with the low drag required to maximize speed on the straights.

Baku has also produced some remarkable speed records. In 2016, Williams driver Valtteri Bottas reached around 378 km/h on the circuit. The speed remains among the highest ever recorded by a Formula 1 car during a Grand Prix weekend.