Kimi Antonelli Eyes Third Straight Win as F1 Title Race Heads to Baku

Posted : 23 September 2026

Kimi Antonelli heads into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with an 81-point lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell, aiming for his third consecutive Formula 1 victory as the championship enters a demanding triple-header.

The 20-year-old Italian has won eight of the first 14 races of the 2026 season and arrives in Baku after victories in Italy and Spain. His latest triumph in Madrid increased his advantage over Russell to 81 points, while also making him the first driver to win at the new Madring circuit.

Antonelli's latest success was helped by the timing of a Virtual Safety Car, which disrupted Lando Norris's strategy and cost the McLaren driver a chance to challenge for victory. Despite his strong run of form, Antonelli acknowledged that circumstances played a role in Madrid, making Baku another test of Mercedes' consistency.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has urged the championship leader to remain focused, particularly because the Baku City Circuit combines long, high-speed sections with tight and unforgiving corners. The circuit's narrow Castle section leaves little room for mistakes, while its long straights can create opportunities for overtaking.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will also begin a demanding run of three races in three weeks, with Malaysia and Singapore following Baku. Mercedes therefore faces a period in which reliability, preparation and race execution could have a significant impact on the championship battle.

Baku is hosting its 10th Formula 1 Grand Prix this year. The circuit first appeared on the calendar in 2016 as the European Grand Prix before becoming the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 2017. The 6.003-kilometre street circuit has developed a reputation for unpredictable races and dramatic incidents.

The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, September 26, rather than the traditional Sunday schedule. The change was made because September 27 is Azerbaijan's Remembrance Day, a national day of mourning.

Leclerc Still Searching for First Baku Victory

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will also arrive in Azerbaijan with plenty of confidence after establishing an impressive qualifying record at the circuit. The Monegasque has taken four consecutive pole positions in Baku in the past, although that streak ended last year after he crashed during final qualifying and failed to set a time.

Despite his qualifying success, Leclerc has yet to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Ferrari will hope its recent form allows him to challenge Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull during a race where qualifying position does not always translate into victory.

Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, remains third in the championship but is 101 points behind Antonelli. The seven-time world champion has ruled himself out of the title fight, although his experience at Baku could make him a contender if Ferrari can find the pace needed to fight at the front.

Max Verstappen will be targeting another victory in Azerbaijan as he attempts to become the circuit's first three-time winner. Red Bull has already collected five victories in Baku, while Verstappen has won there twice.

Verstappen also enters the weekend encouraged by his recent performance away from Formula 1, having won Red Bull's karting challenge at Silverstone against 100 amateur racers. In F1, he has recorded six podium finishes this season, including second place behind Antonelli in Madrid.

Red Bull will also welcome Isack Hadjar back to its race lineup after the Frenchman recovered from a wrist injury. Hadjar missed the Dutch, Italian and Spanish Grands Prix, with Liam Lawson deputising during his absence. Lawson will now return to Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda moves back into the reserve role.

With Antonelli chasing a ninth victory of the season and his rivals looking to close the gap, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be an important early chapter in the final phase of the 2026 championship.

Kimi Antonelli Eyes Third Straight Win as F1 Title Race Heads to Baku

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