Daily News 19

Tag: Nikola Tsolov

  • Formula 1 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Start Time and How to Watch

    Formula 1 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Start Time and How to Watch

    Key Highlights

    • Formula 1 heads to the Baku City Circuit for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the race scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time.
    • Kimi Antonelli holds a commanding 81-point lead in the drivers’ championship after his Madrid victory, while Lando Norris seeks redemption after missing a potential win from pole position.
    • Formula 2 continues its 2026 campaign in Baku for Round 12 with championship leader Nikola Tsolov in action across a packed support-race schedule beginning Thursday, September 24.

    Formula 1 Arrives in Baku for Critical Championship Weekend

    The Formula 1 circus touches down in Azerbaijan this week for the ninth running of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit, marking the venue’s 10th Formula 1 outing since its debut as the European Grand Prix in 2016. The street circuit, renowned for its dramatic blend of high-speed straights and tight, twisty sections winding through the city’s historic old town and medieval walls, sets the stage for a pivotal weekend in the 2026 championship battle.

    Championship Dynamics: Antonelli Extends Lead, Norris Hunts Redemption

    Kimi Antonelli arrives in Baku with a formidable 81-point advantage at the top of the drivers’ standings following his victory at the previous round in Madrid. That race delivered a significant twist: polesitter Lando Norris, driving for McLaren, failed to convert his grid position into a win, handing Antonelli a crucial psychological and numerical edge. The McLaren driver will be desperate to bounce back on a circuit that has historically produced unpredictable outcomes, while Antonelli aims to continue his commanding run of form and tighten his grip on the title.

    Baku’s Unique Challenge and Historical Winners

    The Baku City Circuit’s distinctive layout—looping around the Caspian Sea waterfront and through the narrow streets of the old town—has consistently tested driver precision and car reliability. Over the years, only two drivers have managed multiple victories at this venue: Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, both of whom have stood on the top step of the podium twice. Their success underscores the circuit’s demand for a blend of outright speed, tire management, and race craft, qualities that will be essential again this weekend.

    Session Schedule and Global Broadcast Details

    The weekend kicks off unusually early with Free Practice 1 on Thursday, September 24 at 12:30 local time, followed by Free Practice 2 at 16:00. Friday, September 25 sees Free Practice 3 at 12:30 and Qualifying at 16:00, setting the grid for the Grand Prix itself on Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time. Comprehensive global start times for all sessions are available via the official Formula 1 race hub.

    Fans can watch every session live on F1 TV Pro (available in selected territories), which offers ad-free coverage, onboard cameras from all 22 cars, and pre- and post-race shows in six languages. The service streams via Apple TV, Chromecast (Gen 2+), Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. For an enhanced experience, F1 TV Premium provides 4K Ultra HD/HDR streaming on up to six devices simultaneously, plus a personalized Multiview feature with 26 selectable feeds on compatible devices. The platform also includes live coverage of F2, F3, F1 ACADEMY, and Porsche Supercup sessions. Live timing remains accessible on F1.com and the official F1 app throughout the weekend.

    Weather Outlook and Formula 2 Support Action

    Current forecasts indicate mild and dry conditions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, though the circuit’s proximity to the Caspian Sea often brings gusty winds that have caught out drivers in previous years. Teams will need to monitor aerodynamic balance closely, particularly during qualifying and the race.

    While Formula 3 concluded its season in Spain, the 2026 Formula 2 championship moves to Baku for Round 12. Championship leader Nikola Tsolov heads the field into a packed schedule: Qualifying, Practice, and Qualifying 2 all take place on Thursday, September 24. The Sprint Race runs Friday, September 25 at 08:15 local time, followed by Feature Race 1 at 14:15. Feature Race 2 is set for Saturday, September 26 at 11:00, providing a full day of junior single-seater action ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

    Why This Matters

    The Azerbaijan Grand Prix represents a critical juncture in the 2026 Formula 1 season. With Kimi Antonelli holding an 81-point championship lead, the pressure mounts on rivals—particularly Lando Norris and McLaren—to close the gap before the calendar enters its latter stages. Baku’s history of safety cars, red flags, and strategic variability offers a prime opportunity for a momentum shift. Additionally, the circuit’s status as a street venue with limited run-off areas amplifies the importance of qualifying performance and race-day execution. For Formula 2, Baku hosts a triple-header weekend that could decisively shape the title fight, with Nikola Tsolov aiming to extend his advantage under the unique pressure of two feature races in two days. The event also marks the continued evolution of F1’s broadcast strategy, with F1 TV Premium’s 4K Multiview offering a glimpse into the future of personalized motorsport consumption.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race start?
    The Grand Prix starts on Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time at the Baku City Circuit. Global start times vary by time zone and are listed on the official Formula 1 race hub.
    How can I watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix live?
    Live coverage is available on F1 TV Pro (ad-free, with onboards and multi-language commentary) and F1 TV Premium (4K UHD/HDR, Multiview, up to six devices). Both services stream via major smart TV platforms. Live timing is also free on F1.com and the F1 app.
    Who are the most successful drivers at the Baku City Circuit?
    Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen are the only drivers to have won multiple times in Baku, each with two victories. The circuit has produced a variety of winners since its 2016 debut as the European Grand Prix.
  • Dino Beganovic Dominates F2 Feature Race at Madring

    Dino Beganovic Dominates F2 Feature Race at Madring

    Dino Beganovic Dominates Madrid F2 Feature Race for First Season Victory

    DAMS Lucas Oil driver Dino Beganovic delivered a commanding lights-to-flag performance to win the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race in Madrid, securing his maiden victory of the 2025 campaign. Starting from pole position, Beganovic executed a flawless start and managed two Safety Car restarts with precision, ultimately crossing the finish line more than seven seconds clear of the field.

    Podium Finishers: Dunne and Miyata Chase Beganovic Home

    Rodin Motorsport’s Alexander Dunne finished a distant second, while Ritomo Miyata continued his strong weekend for Hitech Pulse-Eight. After claiming victory in Saturday’s Sprint Race, the Japanese driver added a Feature Race podium with a solid run to third place.

    Top Ten Shaped by Penalties and Overtakes

    Joshua Duerksen (Invicta Racing) took fourth ahead of Emerson Fittipaldi (AIX Racing) and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak (ART Grand Prix). Further back, Gabriele Minì produced one of the drives of the day for MP Motorsport, carving his way from 13th on the grid to seventh with a series of decisive overtakes. Teammate Martinius Stenshorne followed him home in eighth.

    Roman Bilinski initially took the chequered flag in tenth for Invicta Racing but was promoted to ninth after Rafael Camara received a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision with Ollie Goethe. The result awards Bilinski a valuable championship point.

    Championship Leader Tsolov Suffers Setback

    It was a weekend to forget for title protagonist Nikola Tsolov. The championship leader ended the Feature Race at the back of the classification following contact, leaving the standings wide open heading into the final rounds.

    Next Stop: Baku for Round 12

    The FIA Formula 2 Championship now heads to the Baku City Circuit for Round 12, scheduled for September 24–26. The high-speed street track traditionally produces chaotic, opportunity-rich racing that could further shuffle the title fight.

    For a comprehensive breakdown of every incident, strategy call, and sector time from the Madrid Feature Race, read the full official race report.

  • Colton Herta’s 2026 Season Deteriorates: Two Off-Track Excursions, Mechanical Breakdown at Monza

    Colton Herta’s 2026 Season Deteriorates: Two Off-Track Excursions, Mechanical Breakdown at Monza

    Colton Herta’s Formula 2 campaign has deteriorated significantly, with his weekend at Monza serving as the starkest illustration of his struggles. The former IndyCar frontrunner joined the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a test and development driver for 2026 and moved to F2 to prepare for a potential graduation to the world championship. However, the transition has proven difficult. Lacking experience with Pirelli tires and unfamiliar with the circuits, Herta sits a disappointing 17th in the standings after 10 rounds.

    Qualifying Woes and Practice Crash at Monza

    Over the course of the season, the Hitech GP driver has qualified inside the top 12 only once. Monza marked a new low, with Herta qualifying 20th, more than a second off the pace. The difficulties extended beyond raw speed. During the sole F2 practice session, he crashed after putting two wheels in the gravel at the exit of Lesmo 2, spinning into the inside wall.

    Cadillac FP1 Outing Cut Short by Mechanical Issue

    Herta then participated in Formula 1 FP1 for Cadillac to fulfill the team’s rookie running requirements. His session ended prematurely after just one push lap when the MAC-26 suffered a suspected hydraulic failure. The 20th-place result in F2 qualifying later that day compounded a troubled Friday.

    Herta Feels “More Comfortable” in F1 Machinery

    This was Herta’s third FP1 appearance, and he reported feeling “a lot more” comfortable in the Cadillac. He explained the progression:

    “You know, just kind of having that little bit of knowledge about what the car wants, or what the car needs, how it wants to be driven,” he explained.

    “All these cars have tiny differences that make them click. I’m driving and trying to find that, so having a bit more knowledge of what the car likes to do is a big help, it makes me feel more comfortable.

    When you only have an hour, it seems like, literally when you’re inside the car and everything’s happening, everything’s happening so quick. It seems like you’re in there for five minutes, so you get out and you’re instantly like, ‘Oh I should have done this’ or ‘I should have done that’.

    I think everybody would say if they get a second chance at anything when they’re driving they would do better, and for sure for me it probably would have been a pretty big step.”

    Weekend Ends with Early Feature Race Exit

    Herta recovered to 15th place in Saturday’s sprint race, but his feature race ended on lap 11 after he beached the car in the gravel at the exit of Parabolica while running 21st.

    Championship Hopes Effectively Over

    As a result, Herta remains stuck on 26 points with just one top-12 finish in the last 10 races. He trails championship leader Nikola Tsolov by 151 points with only 156 points available across the final four rounds, effectively eliminating him from title contention. Even a top-10 finish in the standings now appears a tall order, sitting 37 points adrift.

    Uncertain Path to a 2027 F1 Seat

    Regarding his Formula 1 ambitions, Herta remained direct:

    “What I want to do is I want to get to Formula 1 and I want to get there as fast as possible,” Herta said. “How realistic that is, I have yet to be told or know.”

    Given the current trajectory, a 2027 F1 drive looks increasingly unlikely.

    Colton Herta, Hitech GP. Photo by: James Sutton / Formula 1 / Formula Motorsport Ltd via Getty Images
  • Red Bull Gives F1 Test to Protégé While Assessing Racing Bulls Driver Lineup

    Red Bull Gives F1 Test to Protégé While Assessing Racing Bulls Driver Lineup

    Red Bull has given Nikola Tsolov his first Formula 1 test as it evaluates its options for the 2027 Racing Bulls driver line-up.

    The current Formula 2 championship leader completed 690 kilometres in a VCARB 02, Racing Bulls’ 2025 F1 car, at Imola on Thursday. The session was part of the team’s testing of previous cars (TPC) programme and gave Red Bull its first opportunity to assess Tsolov in a grand prix car.

    Tsolov makes first F1 test appearance

    “Today was a really positive step for Nikola,” Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane said. “He adapted quickly to the car and showed the composure you want to see from a driver taking on an F1 car for the first time.

    “The outing is part of the ongoing development plan the team runs for its junior drivers, giving them the tools, the mileage, and the environment to develop. We’ve seen time and again what this pathway can produce, and it’s days like today that are part of how we keep building it.”

    Tsolov is aiming to become the first Bulgarian Formula 1 driver and graduate from Formula 2 over the winter. However, he faces strong competition to replace either Liam Lawson or Arvid Lindblad in the Racing Bulls line-up.

    “First TPC day in a Formula 1 car done, and I’m super happy with how today went,” Tsolov said. “I really enjoyed every lap and it’s difficult to put into words what it means to finally get this opportunity.

    Nikola Tsolov, Racing Bulls

    Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

    “A massive thank you to VCARB and the Red Bull Junior Team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life, so to finally experience it is pretty incredible.

    “I still don’t think I’ve fully comprehended what we achieved today, but I enjoyed every lap and hopefully I’ll get the chance to add some more kilometres soon.”

    Lawson and Iwasa complete Red Bull tyre test

    Earlier this week, Lawson returned to action for Red Bull at a Pirelli tyre test after standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix.

    Lawson drove for Red Bull on Wednesday before handing over to reigning Super Formula champion and Racing Bulls test and reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa on Thursday. The New Zealander completed 116 laps with a best lap time of 1m22.297s, while Iwasa completed 117 laps with a best lap time of 1m23.414s.

    Audi and McLaren joined Red Bull at the Pirelli test at the venue of the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix. McLaren ran on both Wednesday and Thursday, while Audi participated only on Thursday.

    Oscar Piastri completed 93 laps with a best time of 1m21.358s on Wednesday, while Dutch Grand Prix winner Lando Norris posted 115 laps with a best time of 1m21.899s. Nico Hulkenberg completed 121 laps for Audi on Thursday, setting a best lap time of 1m24.012s.

    The Pirelli tyre test focused on developing the three hardest compounds in the 2027 range.

    Source: www.motorsport.com