2026 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix - latest Baku weather update

F1 heads into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with dry and sunny conditions expected in Baku, although the wind that featured heavily during Friday's running remains a factor to watch.

The 51-lap race is scheduled to get under way at 3pm local time, with temperatures forecast to be around 26°C in the afternoon. Rain is not expected, with clear skies forecast throughout the race window.

That represents a relatively settled picture after a more challenging Friday around the Baku City Circuit. Qualifying was held in clear conditions, but strong winds made their presence felt, with gusts reaching significantly higher speeds than those expected during Saturday's race.

Thursday had provided a similarly dry start to the weekend, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s and northerly winds already noticeable. Conditions are therefore unlikely to come as a shock to the drivers, but the change in wind strength and direction could still be significant around Baku's exposed sections.

For the race itself, winds are forecast to be around 8-10mph, with gusts reaching approximately 20-21mph during the afternoon. The wind is expected to come broadly from the east-north-east, while temperatures should peak at around 26°C.

With no meaningful threat of rain, teams can concentrate on managing the warmer track temperatures and the aerodynamic effects of the breeze. The conditions should provide a dry backdrop for what is an unusually early Saturday afternoon race in Baku.