Antonelli in Control as F1 Heads to Baku

The 2026 Formula 1 season rumbles into the streets of Baku for Round 15, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, from 24–26 September, with one clear storyline at the front: Kimi Antonelli has the title firmly in his grasp, and everyone else is scrambling for a way to prise it open.

The Mercedes rookie didn’t just win last time out at the inaugural Madring Spanish Grand Prix. He tightened his grip on the championship with authority, stretching his lead to a commanding 81 points. In a season that has often threatened chaos, Antonelli has become the constant.

Norris Stung by Virtual Safety Car

In Spain, it was Lando Norris who set the early standard. A blistering qualifying lap put the McLaren driver on pole and, for a while, it looked like the race might bend to his rhythm.

Then came the virtual safety car.

Norris lost out in that crucial phase, shuffled back as strategy and timing turned against him. The damage was done before racing speed returned. He fought back hard, salvaging third place, but the sense of a big chance slipping away will follow him to Baku’s concrete canyons.

Verstappen, Hamilton and the Opening for Antonelli

Max Verstappen’s afternoon in Madring was shaped by one decisive moment. Early in the race, he had to hand position to Lewis Hamilton, a switch that opened the door for Antonelli to capitalise. Verstappen recovered to second, but the net winner was again the Italian in silver.

Those small swings matter now. With the points gap as it is, every lost position, every compromised stint, feeds Antonelli’s march toward the title.

Baku Weekend: When the Walls Decide

Baku is never just another race. It’s a 51‑lap tightrope, with long straights, heavy braking zones and walls that punish the slightest lapse.

Lights go out for Sunday’s race at 12:00 BST, the climax to a three-day programme that will test setups, nerve and patience.

All times BST:

• Thursday, 24 September
  First practice: 09:30–10:30 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)
• Thursday, 24 September
  Second practice: 13:00–14:00 (BBC Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)
• Friday, 25 September
  Third practice: 09:30–10:30 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)
• Friday, 25 September
  Qualifying: 13:00–14:00 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)
• Saturday, 26 September
  Race: 12:00 start, with build-up from 11:00 (BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

Commentary will run across BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app, with coverage also available by asking most smart speakers to “play 5 Live”. Every episode of the Chequered Flag podcast remains part of the race-weekend fabric, with the post-race show for each grand prix this year available to watch on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

Antonelli arrives in Baku with the numbers on his side. The question now is whether this unforgiving street circuit offers his rivals one last lifeline, or simply becomes another landmark on a title procession.