The Azerbaijan Grand Prix gets underway in Baku on September 24, launching the 15th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The opening day will feature two Formula 1 free practice sessions, while Formula 2 will hold its practice session and qualifying rounds.

The Baku City Circuit features 20 corners and 51 laps, with the race covering a total distance of 306.049 kilometers, The Caspian Post reports.

The first Formula 1 race in Baku was held in 2016 as the European Grand Prix. The event was renamed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2017. The 2020 race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nico Rosberg won the inaugural race in 2016, followed by Daniel Ricciardo in 2017, Lewis Hamilton in 2018, Valtteri Bottas in 2019, Sergio Perez in 2021 and 2023, Max Verstappen in 2022 and 2025, and Oscar Piastri in 2024.

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli arrives in Baku leading the drivers’ championship with 292 points. His teammate George Russell is second with 211 points, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton is third with 191 points.

Mercedes also leads the constructors’ championship with 503 points, ahead of Ferrari on 358 and McLaren on 306.

The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix is being held from September 24 to 26, with the race scheduled for Saturday. The unusual schedule reflects Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day on September 27.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix - September 24 schedule

10:00 - Formula 2 free practice

12:30 - Formula 1 first free practice

14:00 - Formula 2 first qualifying session

14:30 - Formula 2 second qualifying session

16:00 - Formula 1 second free practice

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the first of three consecutive race weekends, with the season continuing in Malaysia and Singapore after Baku.