Mercedes led Thursday practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. George Russell was fastest in FP1 and FP2. Kimi Antonelli was second in the team.
Rivals did not match the pace. The session debrief points to a Mercedes advantage on the Baku street circuit.
Azerbaijan GP 2026 Race Weekend Schedule and Time Zones
The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix runs at Baku City Circuit. Local time is Azerbaijan Time AZT UTC+4.
FP1, FP2, FP3 start times for Baku
| Session | Baku AZT | UK BST | EU CEST | US ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FP1 | Thu 12:30 | Thu 09:30 | Thu 10:30 | Thu 04:30 |
| FP2 | Thu 16:00 | Thu 13:00 | Thu 14:00 | Thu 08:00 |
| FP3 | Sat 12:30 | Sat 09:30 | Sat 10:30 | Sat 04:30 |
Qualifying session time and broadcast details
Qualifying is on Saturday at 16:00 AZT. Sky Sports F1 carries live coverage in the UK. BBC provides highlights.
How to watch F1 Azerbaijan GP live stream and TV coverage
Official F1 TV Pro streams practice and qualifying. Sky Sports F1 shows live. BBC iPlayer shows highlights.
Live Practice Results and Commentary from Baku
FP1 results and fastest lap times
Russell topped FP1. Antonelli was second. Red Bull and McLaren were behind.
FP2 results and long run pace analysis
Russell kept the lead in FP2. Long runs showed Mercedes tyre management.
FP3 results and final practice standings
FP3 is scheduled for Saturday morning. Final practice standings will set the tone for qualifying.
Live commentary highlights and key moments
Traffic affected several laps. The castle section remained the key overtaking zone.
Is Russell Out of Reach After Thursday Practice in Baku?
Mercedes appear to be the ones to beat. Russell was stronger than championship leader Antonelli.
George Russell vs Kimi Antonelli Mercedes battle
Russell set the pace in both sessions. Antonelli closed the gap in FP2 but stayed behind.
Practice debrief: Mercedes dominance in Baku street circuit
The team showed straight-line speed. The low-downforce setup suited Baku.
Can rivals step up: Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari pace
Red Bull trailed by three tenths. McLaren showed promise in sector two.
Sector analysis and tyre performance insights
Sector one favoured Mercedes. Soft tyre degradation was moderate.
F1 Azerbaijan GP Live: Final Practice and Qualifying Updates
Qualifying session live lap by lap updates
Live updates will be issued from 16:00 AZT. Sector times and driver quotes will follow.
Pole position prediction and grid projection
Mercedes is favoured for pole. Red Bull and McLaren are in contention.
Qualifying results, stream highlights and post-session quotes
Results will be published after Q3. Official quotes will be added.
Baku Circuit Guide and Hot Topics
Why Baku is a favorite for overtakes and crashes
The 6.003 km street circuit mixes long straights with tight walls.
Weather forecast and track conditions
Forecast shows dry conditions. Track temperature is expected to rise.
Top storylines to watch before Sunday race
Mercedes intra-team battle. Tyre strategy on the 20-turn layout.
Where to Follow Live Results and Highlights
Official F1 app, BBC Sport and Sky Sports F1 live blogs
Live blogs run on BBC Sport and Sky Sports. The Official F1 app provides timing data.
Practice results archive and timing data
Full timing data is archived on Formula1.com.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who topped FP1 and FP2 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026?
- A: George Russell led both FP1 and FP2 for Mercedes, with teammate Kimi Antonelli second. Red Bull and McLaren were behind the pace.
- Q: When is qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP 2026 and what time is it?
- A: Qualifying is on Saturday at 16:00 AZT UTC+4, which is 13:00 UK BST, 14:00 CEST and 08:00 US ET.
- Q: How can I watch the Azerbaijan GP live stream and TV coverage?
- A: F1 TV Pro streams practice and qualifying live. Sky Sports F1 carries live coverage in the UK and BBC iPlayer provides highlights.
- Q: Where is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix held?
- A: The race runs at Baku City Circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan, local time Azerbaijan Time AZT UTC+4.
Extended Reading
Practice debrief analysis from Formula1.com on Russell’s pace in Baku.
Live final practice and qualifying coverage from Sky Sports F1.
Live timing and commentary from BBC Sport Formula 1.