Weather and Tyre Strategy for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix is poised to feature warm and dry weather as teams prepare for this challenging street circuit in Baku. The event is expected to attract significant attention, with varying factors influencing both weather and tyre performance.

Weather Forecast The weather conditions during the race weekend are projected to be stable, promising a dry race day. Temperatures are anticipated to peak at 28 degrees Celsius, similar to recent rounds of the championship. However, teams must also consider the possibility of unpredictable high winds that could affect aerodynamics throughout the track sessions.

Thursday, September 24 On the opening day, the first and second practice sessions will take place under warm conditions. Temperatures are likely to vary between 22.5 degrees Celsius at night to a high of 28 degrees Celsius during the day. The wind is expected to be notable, averaging 17.6 kilometres per hour with gusts reaching up to 57.6 kilometres per hour. The likelihood of precipitation stands at 0%, ensuring dry conditions for the teams to work with.

Friday, September 25 The third practice session and qualifying rounds are forecasted to present favourable weather for racing, with expected temperatures ranging from 20 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius. Skies will remain clear, and no rain is anticipated. Winds are predicted to average at 24.5 kilometres per hour, potentially gusting up to 64.8 kilometres per hour. Track temperatures could reach 41 degrees Celsius, contributing to good grip conditions.

Saturday, September 26 Race day appears equally promising, with daytime temperatures expected between 20 degrees and 26 degrees Celsius. The maximum track temperature could hit 43 degrees Celsius, and winds will likely average 15.5 kilometres per hour, with gusts up to 43.2 kilometres per hour from the north. Again, no rain is expected, ensuring a dry track for competitors.

Tyre Selection by Pirelli Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compounds that will be used during the Grand Prix weekend, with selections made to optimise performance under the expected conditions. The chosen compounds are the C3 as the hard, the C4 as the medium, and the C5 as the soft. This decision represents a shift from the previous year, where the selection was one step softer, although the C6 compound was not used in the race.

Competitors will receive two sets of hard tyres (white marked), three sets of medium tyres (yellow marked), and eight sets of soft tyres (red marked), alongside intermediate and full wet tyres if needed. Qualifications participants reaching Q3 will have an additional set of soft compound tyres available.

The resurfacing work done on some city street sections, particularly Turns 2, 3, and 4, is noted, yet it is not expected to greatly impact how the tyres behave. Pirelli has indicated that track evolution will be significant due to a gradual build-up of rubber on the surface, potentially supporting a one-stop race strategy. The smooth asphalt at Baku should result in low wear levels, allowing for extended stints on the C5 compound.

Tyre management will be crucial throughout the race. The long, full-throttle section from the final corner to the start promotes cooling of the tyres, while the city buildings create shaded areas that could help regulate track temperature. This environment will require teams to focus closely on preventing overheating and managing grip levels, vital for optimal performance.

As teams gear up for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the emphasis will be on adapting to both the weather and tyre selection, ensuring strategies are sound and that drivers can navigate the intricacies of Baku’s renowned street circuit efficiently.