Baku, September 20, 2025
McLaren’s Lando Norris set the pace in Saturday’s FP3 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and teammate Oscar Piastri. Qualifying is scheduled for 16:00 local time. On Friday, Norris was fastest in FP1, while Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) led FP2.
Earlier today, Formula 2 delivered a tight sprint race, with Dino Beganovic (Hitech TGR) taking victory ahead of teammate Luke Browning, as Alex Dunne (Rodin Motorsport) completed the podium.
Away from the track action, organizers confirmed Baku will remain on the Formula 1 calendar through 2030, extending the race’s future beyond the current deal, which runs to 2026.
Stefano Domenicali, F1 president and CEO, welcomed the extension, praising Baku’s “incredible energy” since its 2016 debut and a layout that combines technical sections with long straights along the Caspian shoreline and historic Old City. The renewal, he said, reflects “strong trust and commitment between Formula 1, the Government of Azerbaijan and the promoter.”
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gaibov called the renewal a guarantee that the country remains a global center for major sporting events, noting Baku’s blend of on-track drama and the capital’s hospitality and spirit.
The Grand Prix takes place on September 21.
