My 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Predictions

Formula 1 is back on the streets of Baku, and it's time for my race predictions! Baku is one of those circuits where you never really know what's going to happen. You've got the incredibly tight Old Town section, massive straights, heavy braking zones and walls waiting to punish even the smallest mistake and with Safety Cars, strategy and slipstream all potentially playing a part, I'm expecting another unpredictable Azerbaijan Grand Prix. So here are my predictions! 

P1 — George Russell

I'm going with George Russell to WIN the Azerbaijan Grand Prix! Mercedes have been one of the major forces of the 2026 season, and I think Baku could suit George perfectly. If he can stay out of trouble and Mercedes get the strategy right, I'm predicting George to stand on the top step. My winner: George Russell. 

 P2 — Max Verstappen

I've got Max Verstappen finishing P2. Never count Max out around Baku. He's already a two-time winner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and Red Bull could be dangerous around a circuit with such a massive straight. I'm expecting Max to be right in the fight, but I'm giving Russell the edge.

P3 — Kimi Antonelli

Completing my podium is Kimi Antonelli. Kimi arrives in Baku as the championship leader after winning in Madrid, so the confidence should be incredibly high. I'm expecting another strong weekend from him. Maybe not another victory this time but I'm predicting another podium.

 P4 — Lando Norris

My first Papaya Boy comes home P4. After what happened in Madrid, I'm expecting Lando to come into Baku wanting a big response but I'm not predicting a podium this time. Instead, I've got Lando taking some strong points in fourth. Obviously, I'd LOVE him to prove me wrong and put that McLaren on the podium! 

P5 — Charles Leclerc

I've got Charles Leclerc P5. Charles has an incredible qualifying history around Baku — including four pole positions — so he's definitely someone to watch around these streets but for the race itself, I'm predicting fifth. Still good points for Ferrari, but not quite the podium.

P6 — Oscar Piastri

The second Papaya Boy: Oscar Piastri — P6. That means my McLaren prediction is:

Lando P4 

Oscar P6 

Not the spectacular double podium we'd all love, but a decent points haul for McLaren and at a circuit like Baku, simply keeping the car out of the walls can make a massive difference.

P7 — Lewis Hamilton

I've got Lewis Hamilton finishing P7. Ferrari should have opportunities here, but I'm predicting Charles to have the stronger result of the two. Lewis still brings home some useful points in seventh.

P8 — Liam Lawson

My prediction for P8 is Liam Lawson. I'm expecting a strong drive and some valuable points. Baku rewards confidence, and if Liam can stay clean through the narrow sections while taking advantage of opportunities around him, I think a top-eight finish is possible.

P9 — Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz takes P9 in my predictions. Not necessarily a spectacular weekend, but still inside the points. At Baku, sometimes surviving all 51 laps is half the battle!

P10 — Nico Hülkenberg

Taking the final point? Nico Hülkenberg. I'm predicting Nico to sneak into P10 and complete my top ten.

MY FULL BAKU TOP 10

P1 — George Russell
P2 — Max Verstappen
P3 — Kimi Antonelli
P4 — Lando Norris
P5 — Charles Leclerc
P6 — Oscar Piastri
P7 — Lewis Hamilton
P8 — Liam Lawson
P9 — Carlos Sainz

P10 — Nico Hülkenberg

I'M EXPECTING CHAOS

 This is Baku…I'm predicting at least one Safety Car. I'm also expecting someone to take a gamble with strategy and I'm predicting that at least one driver is going to have an unfortunate meeting with the barriers. The Old Town section is only 7.6 metres wide at its narrowest point, so there's almost no room for error. One mistake could completely change the race.

 FINAL PREDICTION

My big prediction is: GEORGE RUSSELL WINS IN BAKU!  Max takes second. Kimi completes the podium and our Papaya Boys come home:

Lando Norris — P4

Oscar Piastri — P6

Will I get anywhere close? We'll find out! What are YOUR predictions for Baku? Who wins? Where will the Papaya Boys finish and are we getting another crazy Azerbaijan Grand Prix? Let me know!

On the Pitwall — Lights out. More to talk about. 

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