11:40
Antonelli's race engineer says the Italian's car is "basically new" at this point, having been rebuilt from his qualifying shunt as well as an engine change on Thursday.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 2026 Azerbaijan GP
© XPB Images
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix as it happened
Live coverage of the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
KEY MOMENTS
- Russell wins Baku race by 0.1s from Verstappen
- Safety car on lap 35 after multi-car crash
- Safety car on lap 30 for Albon crash
The 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix concludes on Saturday 26 September with the race, as Mercedes' George Russell starts from pole.
The 15th round of the 2026 campaign sees Andrea Kimi Antonelli start the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 81 points clear in the standings of Mercedes team-mate George Russell, following back-to-back wins at Monza and Madrid.
But the British driver has had the measure of Antonelli all weekend so far, with Russell dominating for pole as his team-mate crashed in Q1 and could not advance on 16th.
Russell appears to be overwhelming favourite to win the Baku race today, which could reignite his title hopes if Antonelli cannot make big gains from his lowly starting position.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will be hoping to challenge Russell in the early stages from second on the grid, as McLaren's Oscar Piastri goes from third.
Isack Hadjar impressed for Red Bull, as he put his car fourth on the grid in his first race since before the summer break, having been absent from the last three rounds due to a hand injury.
Team-mate Max Verstappen looked like Russell's biggest pole threat at the start of qualifying, but an engine issue meant he could do no more than eighth. The Dutchman has taken fresh power unit components for the race, but they come from his pool, meaning he will not drop down the order.
The slipstream has proven to be immensely powerful this weekend, which means overtaking down the massive main straight is likely to be plentiful during the race.
Safety cars are always a high possibility at Baku.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule
Race - 12pm BST
26 Sep 2026
11:33
Just under half an hour until the race starts.
Get yourself a cuppa sorted and then get settled in front of the TV for the afternoon. I think we're in for a good one here!
11:31
Isack Hadjar was impressive on his comeback, putting his Red Bull fourth on the grid. And he thinks it could have been even better!
Isack Hadjar makes bold claim after shock Azerbaijan GP qualifying result
Isack Hadjar has made his Red Bull return after a wrist injury
11:24
Everyone is heading out to the grid now. 35 minutes until lights out.
11:14
One former winner's post-qualifying outburst
Esteban Ocon's time in F1 looks like it's coming to an end. And after a tough qualifying, he let rip about his current struggles.
Esteban Ocon launches sweary Azerbaijan GP qualifying outburst: ‘I don’t deserve this’
Esteban Ocon looks like he is on his way out at Haas
11:09
Kimi Antonelli's recovery drive
Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli's crash in Q1 on Friday has been the big story of the weekend so far.
He will go from 16th on the grid, as he looks to extend his 81-point championship advantage.
But how will he get on?
11:08
Ferrari facing hard times
It's not been an easy time for Ferrari of late, with rumblings of personnel changes emerging from the press.
Team boss Fred Vasseur spoke out about this at Baku.
Fred Vasseur admits “it’s hard to work at Ferrari” amid recent firing rumours
Fred Vasseur's position at Ferrari is in the spotlight again
11:06
Max Verstappen takes new engine
Following issues in qualifying, Max Verstappen has taken a new engine for today's race. It comes from his pool, but he now expects to face a grid penalty later on.
Max Verstappen faces engine penalty after Baku F1 qualifying problems
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
© XPB Images
11:05
Penalties
Carlos Sainz was hit with a five-place grid penalty for a yellow flag infringement in qualifying, which dumped him out of a season-best top 10 start.
The two Aston Martins have accumulated engine penalties, while Sergio Perez was given a three-place drop for impeding.
11:03
Azerbaijan GP - Starting grid
Here is the full starting grid for today's Azerbaijan Grand Prix:
| 2026 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix - Starting Grid | |||
| Pos | Driver | Nat. | Team |
| 1 | George Russell | GBR | Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team |
| 2 | Charles Leclerc | MON | Scuderia Ferrari HP |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | AUS | McLaren Mastercard F1 Team |
| 4 | Isack Hadjar | FRA | Oracle Red Bull Racing |
| 5 | Lando Norris | GBR | McLaren Mastercard F1 Team |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | GBR | Scuderia Ferrari HP |
| 7 | Pierre Gasly | FRA | BWT Alpine F1 Team |
| 8 | Max Verstappen | NED | Oracle Red Bull Racing |
| 9 | Franco Colapinto | ARG | BWT Alpine F1 Team |
| 10 | Oliver Bearman | GBR | TGR Haas F1 Team |
| 11 | Liam Lawson | NZL | Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team |
| 12 | Alex Albon | THA | Atlassian Williams F1 Team |
| 13 | Esteban Ocon | FRA | TGR Haas F1 Team |
| 14 | Carlos Sainz | ESP | Atlassian Williams F1 Team |
| 15 | Arvid Lindblad | GBR | Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team |
| 16 | Kimi Antonelli | ITA | Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team |
| 17 | Gabriel Bortoleto | BRA | Audi Revolut F1 Team |
| 18 | Nico Hulkenberg | GER | Audi Revolut F1 Team |
| 19 | Valtteri Bottas | FIN | Cadillac F1 Team |
| 20 | Sergio Perez | MEX | Cadillac F1 Team |
| 21 | Fernando Alonso | ESP | Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team |
| 22 | Lance Stroll | CAN | Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team |
11:00
Azerbaijan GP - build-up
Good morning and welcome to live coverage of the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix!
It's Saturday and it's race day! And, yes, you read that right. We go racing in one hour in Baku.