Verstappen Will Compete in September Azerbaijan Grand Prix
The 10th race at the Baku street track takes place on September 27, 2026, marking a decade of racing at the venue.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Motorsports
Live Poll
Do you believe hosting major professional sporting events improves the overall quality of your local community?
Max Verstappen heads to the Baku street circuit for the September 27, 2026, Azerbaijan Grand Prix as he seeks his first win of the season. The event marks the 10th time the race has been held at this location since it joined the calendar in 2016.
Why it matters
This race is significant for the championship battle, as Kimi Antonelli currently holds an 81-point lead over George Russell. Meanwhile, Verstappen looks to build on his 71 career grand prix wins after securing six podiums this season.
Max Verstappen enters the 6-km Baku street track with 71 career grand prix victories. The 10th installment of this race follows 14 completed rounds in the season.
The players
Max Verstappen
He is a four-time Formula One world champion currently aiming for his first victory of the 2026 season.
Kimi Antonelli
The driver currently leads the Formula One championship standings with nine wins this season.
George Russell
He is a Formula One driver who currently trails Kimi Antonelli by 81 points in the standings.
Isack Hadjar
He is a racer returning to competition at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a wrist injury.
Yuki Tsunoda
He is a professional driver who is transitioning back to a reserve role for the upcoming race.
The details
Max Verstappen recently demonstrated his form by winning a 100-competitor karting challenge at Silverstone that spanned 14 laps over 35 minutes. As the grid prepares for Baku, Isack Hadjar returns to the cockpit following a wrist injury, while Yuki Tsunoda shifts into a reserve role.
Timeline
1953: Alberto Ascari was the last Italian title winner.
2016: Baku joined the Formula One calendar.
2020: The race was removed from the calendar.
September 2026: The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is held.
September 27, 2026: Race day occurs in Baku.
Season Trajectory
This weekend marks a decade of racing since the 2016 Azerbaijan Grand Prix debut. The event is a pivotal moment in the 2026 calendar as Kimi Antonelli looks to extend his 81-point lead over the field.
The race requires championship leader Kimi Antonelli to defend his 81-point advantage against George Russell. Verstappen's performance here will determine if he can improve upon his six podiums recorded during the first 14 rounds of the season.
The takeaway
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix serves as a critical test for championship leaders and returning drivers alike. Spectators should monitor how the technical demands of the Baku street circuit affect the ongoing points battle.
Further reading
Get the latest updates on the season by visiting our Motorsports section.
Live Poll
Do you believe hosting major professional sporting events improves the overall quality of your local community?
