F1 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: FP1 Kicks Off in Baku

First Practice is underway at the Baku City Circuit, where the 2026 grid begins its assault on one of the calendar's most unpredictable street tracks. As teams venture out for the initial 60-minute session, the primary focus is navigating a notoriously low-grip surface before the track rubbers in.

Why it matters:

Baku is a high-stakes environment where the margin for error is razor-thin. The combination of tight technical sections and massive high-speed straights makes it a critical testing ground for the 2026 power units' efficiency and chassis stability. Establishing a baseline in FP1 is essential to avoid the frequent walls that define this circuit's drama.

The details:

• Driver Returns: Isack Hadjar returns to the Red Bull cockpit for the first time since suffering a wrist injury prior to the Zandvoort event.
• Stable Shifts: Liam Lawson is set to take the wheel for Racing Bulls, providing further insight into the Red Bull program's driver rotation strategy.
• Track Conditions: Initial laps are expected to be tentative as drivers struggle with the slick city streets, which typically offer very little grip at the start of the weekend.
• Session Logistics: The session runs for 60 minutes, starting at 12:30 local time, focusing on aero-mapping and initial balance setups.

What's next:

With the initial data gathered from FP1, teams will refine their setups for the remainder of the weekend. The focus will shift toward qualifying trim in FP2, where the battle for pole position on Baku's unique layout always becomes the central narrative of the event.