2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Opens with Four-Day Baku Event
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicked off in Baku with an unusual four-day schedule, drawing international attention and delivering early excitement as Mercedes and Red Bull set the pace.
By Ethan Cole · First published 24 Sept 2026
In brief
- The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku began with practice sessions starting Thursday, marking a rare four-day Formula 1 event.
- This year's race is being held from Thursday to Saturday, rather than the traditional Friday to Sunday format.
- Over 16,000 foreign guests are attending, highlighting the event's international appeal and Baku's growing reputation as a motorsport hub.
- Mercedes driver George Russell dominated both Thursday practice sessions, while his teammate Kimi Antonelli faced technical issues.
- The main race is scheduled for Saturday, with qualifying and final practice sessions still to come before the checkered flag.
Timeline · 5 moments
Azerbaijan GP announces four-day schedule in Baku
Fanpage ↗First practice session: Russell fastest, Antonelli stops with hydraulic leak
BBC - Home ↗Russell wins opening practice session as Antonelli faces car trouble
Trend News Agency ↗Russell dominates second practice, Verstappen third fastest
nu.nl ↗Packed international attendance as event enters qualifying phase
CNN Brasil ↗How it started
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has become a fixture in the Formula 1 calendar, known for its fast street circuit and unpredictable outcomes. This year, the event in Baku features a significant change: the schedule runs from Thursday to Saturday, instead of the usual Friday to Sunday.
According to Fanpage, the shift in dates is due to local considerations, including the Day of Remembrance, which prompted organizers to avoid racing on Sunday. The change has not deterred fans, with more than 16,000 foreign guests arriving for the festivities.
How it unfolded
The action began on Thursday, September 24, with the first two practice sessions. The BBC reported that Mercedes' George Russell led the way in the opening session, edging out Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Kimi Antonelli, also with Mercedes and the championship leader, finished fifth after a hydraulic leak forced him to stop on track.
Trend News Agency confirmed Russell's win in the first practice, while Antonelli's troubles continued. The second practice saw Russell retain his form, again topping the timesheets, according to nu.nl. Verstappen placed third, behind both Mercedes cars.
The four-day schedule means qualifying and the race itself will happen earlier than usual. The main race is set for Saturday, September 26, as CNN Brasil noted, making this the fifteenth round of the 2026 season.
The circuit itself, a six-kilometer street track through Baku, is known for its high speeds and history of surprise results, drawing extra anticipation for the weekend.
Where it stands
As of Thursday evening, George Russell has set the pace in both practice sessions, while teammate Kimi Antonelli's hydraulic issues have left questions about his car's reliability. Max Verstappen and the Ferraris are in close pursuit, keeping the competition tight heading into qualifying.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Friday's qualifying session and Saturday's race, which promise more drama on Baku's challenging and unpredictable streets.
What to watch
The next key development will be Friday's qualifying session, which will determine the starting grid for Saturday's race. With Russell in strong form and Antonelli facing mechanical setbacks, the battle for pole position could shape the championship race.
Observers will also be watching for any further technical issues and whether the unique schedule affects teams' strategies or driver performances.
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