The official starting grid for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku has been released by Formula1.com, confirming the line‑up for what promises to be a high‑octane Sunday. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen retains pole position, while his teammate Sergio Pérez drops to fourth after a post‑qualifying penalty. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton starts alongside his teammate George Russell in second and third respectively, setting up a classic front‑row battle against the Red Bull leader.
Key changes on the grid stem from penalties handed out after qualifying. Carlos Sainz, who originally qualified fifth, received a three‑place grid drop for a technical infringement, moving him down to eighth. Similarly, Pérez was penalised for a pit‑lane infringement, costing him two places and pushing him from second to fourth. These adjustments shuffle the midfield and could influence early race strategy, especially on a circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc starts fifth, while his teammate Sainz now lines up behind the Mercedes duo. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso occupy the sixth and seventh spots respectively, keeping the French team in a strong position to challenge for points. The rest of the field sees a mix of experienced campaigners and rookies, with McLaren’s Lando Norris in ninth and Oscar Piastri in tenth, giving the Australian a solid platform to fight for a top‑five finish.For Indian fans, the race kicks off at 14:00 IST on Sunday, and will be streamed live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi. The Baku street circuit, known for its long straight and tight city corners, often produces surprise results, so the revised grid could lead to an unpredictable opening lap. Keep an eye on the midfield battle, as teams like Alpine and McLaren look to capitalize on the penalties handed to Ferrari and Red Bull.
Indian viewers can also follow live timing and team radio on the official F1 app, which offers a dedicated India feed. With the grid now set, the focus shifts to tyre strategy and DRS zones, both of which will be crucial on the 6.003‑km track. Expect a thrilling start as Verstappen seeks to extend his championship lead, while the penalised drivers aim to claw back lost ground.
Source: Formula1.com
