As the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches, fans are reminded of the city’s reputation for unpredictable racing. Formula 1’s own coverage has highlighted the most dramatic moments from the past ten years of the Baku Street Circuit, a track that has delivered high‑speed duels, unexpected retirements and memorable podiums.
From 2016 to 2025: A Timeline of Thrills
- 2016 – The first year: The inaugural race saw a chaotic start with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen colliding at the first corner, setting the tone for a track where overtakes are rare and mistakes costly.
- 2017 – The first red‑flag: A multi‑car pile‑up at the tight 6th corner forced a red flag, the first in the circuit’s history, and highlighted the dangers of the narrow, high‑speed section.
- 2018 – Verstappen’s win: Max Verstappen’s first victory in Baku was a masterclass of patience and strategy, as he held off a late‑race charge from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.
- 2019 – The “Baku Bump”: A sudden rain shower turned the race into a battle of tyre choices, with Charles Leclerc’s late‑stage switch to slicks earning him a surprise podium.
- 2020 – The first virtual race: Amid the pandemic, the race was held in a virtual format, a unique moment that showcased F1’s adaptability.
- 2021 – The “Baku Bump” again: A second rain‑induced tyre gamble saw Sergio Perez claim his maiden win, underlining the circuit’s propensity for surprise outcomes.
- 2022 – The fastest lap record: Lewis Hamilton set a new fastest lap record in the race, a testament to the high‑performance capabilities of the cars on a demanding street layout.
- 2023 – The first safety car: A safety car period at the 12th lap forced a strategic shuffle, with Fernando Alonso capitalising to secure a podium finish.
- 2024 – The first podium for a rookie: Lando Norris’s first podium in Baku highlighted the growing competitiveness of the young drivers.
- 2025 – The last‑minute overtakes: A dramatic finish saw Charles Leclerc overtake Carlos Sainz in the final corner, a moment that will be replayed for years to come.
These highlights illustrate why Baku is often described as the most unpredictable track on the calendar. Its long straights give a high top speed, but the tight, narrow sections demand precision and leave little room for error.
For India: Timing, Coverage and Where to Watch
The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will run from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm IST. Indian fans can stream the live event on FanCode, which offers comprehensive coverage including live commentary, on‑track camera feeds and post‑race analysis. The race is scheduled to start at 10:00 am local time (GMT+4), so it will finish around 12:00 pm local time, giving viewers in India a comfortable late‑afternoon viewing window.
With the city’s rich history of drama on the track, the upcoming race promises another chapter in Baku’s storied legacy. Whether you’re a long‑time fan or new to the sport, the 2026 event is set to deliver the high‑octane excitement that has defined the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for a decade.
Source: Formula 1
