Baku to host Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix for the ninth time

Baku will host the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix for the ninth time, continuing its tradition as one of the most spectacular races on the calendar.

The first day of racing on September 19 will feature two free practice sessions, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The programme also includes test runs and qualifying sessions within the Formula 2 championship.

The Baku City Circuit, with a total length of 306.049 km and 20 turns, consists of 51 laps. The first Formula 1 race in Baku was held in 2016 under the name European Grand Prix, and since 2017 it has been known as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Over the years, winners of the Baku stage have included Nico Rosberg (Germany), Daniel Ricciardo (Australia), Lewis Hamilton (UK), Valtteri Bottas (Finland), Sergio Perez (Mexico), and Max Verstappen (Netherlands). In 2023, Perez won here for the second time, while in 2024 Oscar Piastri of McLaren took the victory. The 2020 race in Baku was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the past four years, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has claimed pole position in qualifying.

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri (McLaren) leads the drivers’ standings with 324 points. His teammate Lando Norris is second with 293 points, followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in third place with 230 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren is in a commanding lead with 617 points, ahead of Ferrari (280) and Mercedes (260).

Programme for the first day of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix:

• 10:00 – Formula 2: Free Practice

• 12:30 – Formula 1: First Free Practice

• 14:30 – Formula 2: Qualifying

• 17:00 – Formula 1: Second Free Practice