Baku is preparing to host the tenth anniversary Formula 1 Grand Prix.

According to Offsideplus.az, over the years, the Baku City Circuit has become a venue for records, unexpected victories, and dramatic finishes, establishing itself as one of the most unpredictable and challenging tracks on the championship calendar.

In 2026, the schedule for the race weekend will be different. Free practice will take place on September 24 (Friday), qualifying on September 25 (Saturday), and the main race on September 26 (Sunday). The support series, Formula 2, has also expanded its programme: drivers will face two qualifying sessions, one sprint, and two main races.

All eyes will be on the championship leader and record holders.

This year, Kimi Antonelli, the young driver from Mercedes, arrives in Baku as the championship leader. The Italian driver has won 8 of the first 14 rounds of the season, leading his teammate George Russell by 81 points.

Another intrigue of the race lies between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, both of whom have won in Baku twice. If either of these drivers wins again, they will become the first to claim the Azerbaijan Grand Prix three times.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc stands out with a different statistic. The Monegasque driver has secured pole position in Baku four times in a row (record - 1:43.009), but has failed to convert any of those into victories. Leclerc will be looking to end this streak of misfortune.

Record speed of 378 km/h and narrow Old City corners.

The 6.003-kilometre Baku track is also known for its technical challenges. The section of the track in the Old City (turn 8) narrows to 7.6 metres, leaving little room for error. On the other hand, the long straights allow for high speeds — the maximum speed of 378 km/h recorded by Valtteri Bottas in 2016 remains one of the highest in Formula 1 history.