The opening practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was interrupted today, Thursday, September 24, 2026, when Carlos Sainz’s Williams car experienced a right rear brake fire. Thick smoke emanated from the car as team personnel worked to extinguish the flames. This incident occurred during the initial running at the Baku City Circuit.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend schedule has been adjusted, with practice sessions held on Thursday, qualifying on Friday, and the race on Saturday. This change was implemented to avoid a clash with Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day, observed on Sunday, September 27.
Away from the immediate track action, Lewis Hamilton has voiced criticism regarding Formula 1’s proposal to shorten races from the 2027 season. The FIA plans to reduce race distances by 15 kilometres, from 305km to 290km, which equates to two or three laps depending on the circuit.
This adjustment is linked to new engine regulations for 2027, which will feature a 58/42 split between internal combustion and electric power, shifting towards greater fuel consumption. Hamilton argues that races are already physically less demanding and should be extended, not shortened.
‘The races should be longer because the races are physically easier than ever before,’ Hamilton stated. ‘Shortening, I don’t think, makes much sense to me.’
Mercedes driver George Russell has confirmed he will incur an engine penalty later in the current 2026 season, but not at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Russell is delaying the penalty to coincide with the introduction of Mercedes’ ADUO power unit upgrade.
Russell previously took a new turbocharger in Hungary, which would contribute to an additional grid drop if he were to change his power unit now. His teammate, Kimi Antonelli, already served an engine penalty at Monza, where he won from 19th on the grid.
In the 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings, Kimi Antonelli leads with 292 points. George Russell is currently second with 211 points, followed by Lewis Hamilton in third with 191 points. Lando Norris holds fourth position with 186 points.
Several teams have introduced significant upgrade packages for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. McLaren has brought its most substantial update of the second half of the season, including a new floor, revised aerodynamic components, and the reintroduction of the rotating ‘Macarena’ H-Wing.
Audi has also deployed its first major upgrade since June, focusing on chassis improvements. The German manufacturer aims to gain ground in the competitive midfield. Williams has introduced a long-awaited package for its FW48, featuring a new, lighter chassis to address previous weight issues.
Red Bull has implemented five updates, primarily to its floor and sidepod, alongside revised diffuser geometries. Racing Bulls has three changes, including a new front wing. Mercedes and Ferrari have not introduced new parts for Baku, though Ferrari did bring enlarged front brake ducts.
Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Audi, has raised concerns about safety in the final sector of the Baku City Circuit. He highlighted the significant speed differential between cars on fast push laps and those on slow out-laps, particularly due to MGU-K deployment.
Beyond the current season, a consortium named Blue Mountain Racing (BMR) is advancing plans to bring Formula 1 to South Africa by 2031. The privately funded initiative proposes a new £310 million circuit in Swartland, Western Cape.
The proposed 600-hectare facility is designed to meet FIA Grade 1 standards and would accommodate 125,000 spectators. This project represents one of two competing bids to return Formula 1 to the African continent.
