Watch F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Practice 2 Free.

What's at Stake

As the second session of the weekend, Practice 2 provides the most representative track conditions for Sunday’s Grand Prix, allowing teams to gather critical data on high-fuel loads and tire wear. With the narrow corridors of the Baku City Circuit offering zero margin for error, finding a stable setup here is essential for maintaining momentum in the championship standings and avoiding costly wall contact.

Form Guide

Heading into the 2026 season's street circuit swing, the field remains tightly packed with several teams showing strength on high-speed straights. Recent rounds have rewarded cars with efficient ERS deployment and aerodynamic stability, making the transition from the heavy braking zones to the long start-finish straight in Azerbaijan the ultimate test of current engine performance.

Key Players to Watch

• Charles Leclerc — Known as a specialist on street circuits, his ability to find the limit around the Old City section often sets the benchmark.
• Max Verstappen — The defending champion's clinical approach to long-run pace usually dictates the strategy for the rest of the paddock.
• Lewis Hamilton — His experience in managing tire degradation on low-grip surfaces remains a vital asset in these late-afternoon sessions.

Prediction

Expect the session to be topped by a driver from one of the top three teams, likely focusing on late-session qualifying simulations before switching to heavy fuel. The gap between the leaders will likely be less than two-tenths of a second, suggesting a highly competitive battle for pole position on Saturday. Red Bull and Ferrari are expected to lead the timing sheets due to their superior straight-line speed.