Russell regaining confidence, Antonelli's charge from 16th and plenty of disruptions: What to expect in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
From George Russell chasing just his third win of the season and Kimi Antonelli's upward climb to battles between Ferrari and McLaren, here are five things to expect in the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the narrow streets of Baku is back for its first time hosting the new generation of cars, and it looks like we’re in for a treat of a race.
After an exciting qualifying that saw Russell clinch pole by a heavy margin of eight tenths, and Antonelli’s costly error in Q1 that sees him start the race from 16th, we’re all set for the main event — this time on a Saturday owing to a national observance in the country on Sunday.
From a big name out of position to plenty of midfield action to be expected, here are five things to keep an eye on for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Russell chasing a confidence-winning victory
It’s no secret that Russell’s 2026 campaign has been fraught with misfortune, lacklustre performance, and disappointments. What should’ve been his season chasing a crowning moment has now become a year of watching the younger prodigy take the spotlight as he continues to wait in the wings.
But perhaps Baku can be a turning point for Russell. His championship chances are incredibly slim but a win here could help the Mercedes driver rediscover his mojo, if not rekindle his title ambitions.
Russell has been close to untouchable all weekend long, topping all the sessions barring FP3 which he finished second behind Max Verstappen.
His qualifying efforts indicate pure dominance, with a pole margin of eight tenths, and with Antonelli at the back of the grid, the Land of Fire could finally be the scene of Russell’s rebirth from the ashes.
Antonelli’s charge from the back
After an uncharacteristic mistake in Q1 that saw the championship leader clip the wall at Turn 1 and damage his front-left suspension, the race will see Antonelli starting way out of position from 16th.
While Monza has shown that the Italian driver can effortlessly climb back up the ranks and even take a dominant victory after starting 19th, Baku will pose a different challenge with its tight walls and risky gambles.
Nevertheless, it should be a breeze for Antonelli to jump back into the points, but whether he can challenge Russell for the victory or not remains to be seen. A victory here after Russell’s dominant pole would undoubtedly put any naysayers to bed on Antonelli’s abilities.
Ferrari vs McLaren
Both teams have shown flashes of pace throughout the weekend, and though they were ultimately unable to challenge Mercedes for pole, the duel between them will be just as exciting during the race.
Charles Leclerc starts in second with Oscar Piastri joining his company in third, while Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton start fifth and sixth respectively.
Expect exciting battles between these match-ups, not unlike Leclerc and Piastri’s thrilling chase through the streets in 2024.
How far can Williams get?
Williams have been eagerly awaiting their Baku upgrades, and evidently, they seem to be working. The team was awarded with their first Q3 appearance of the year with Carlos Sainz qualifying ninth, but this effort was later nerfed with a grid penalty for the Spaniard due to a yellow flag infringement and will now start the race from 14th.
Alex Albon starts just ahead in 12th, within striking distance of the points.
Judging by their Friday performance and qualifying promises, the Grove-based team definitely has potential to end this weekend on a positive note. Entering the points and adding to their Constructors’ tally of 11 points will be the goal this weekend, and their upgraded, lighter chassis might just help them achieve it.
Plenty of disruptions to the session
As to be expected with a street circuit, the weekend thus far has seen a number of drivers getting caught out between Baku's walls, and historically, this venue has invited several Safety Car periods and red flags in its time on the calendar.
Even without the perils of a street circuit, mechanical failures and reliability concerns remain a huge influencer upon the narrative of races, so expect several interruptions to the session this time as well.
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