The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held in Baku for the 10th time in 2026.
İdman.Biz reports that over the past decade, Formula 1 in Baku has developed beyond a major sporting event, becoming an important platform for tourism, local business, human capital development and the international promotion of the Azerbaijani capital.
More than 14,000 foreign visitors travelled to Azerbaijan for the 2025 Grand Prix. Tickets were sold in 115 countries, while the race weekend attracted more than 90,000 visits.
Interest from international fans continues to grow. The number of tickets sold to foreign visitors for the 2026 race has already exceeded last year's figure.
In 2024, international visitors accounted for 77 percent of Grand Prix ticket buyers, with 93 percent of those fans saying Formula 1 was the main reason for their trip to Baku.
The event also provides employment and professional experience for thousands of local specialists. More than 1,400 engineers, technical specialists, installation workers and logistics personnel are involved in building and dismantling the race infrastructure.
During race week, approximately 1,500 staff members, 2,000 volunteers and 1,100 marshals are involved in organising the event.
Baku City Circuit Operations Company CEO Magsud Farzullayev said the preparation period for the Grand Prix has been reduced from 12 months to approximately four months. In 2025, the main road restrictions were lifted just 12 hours after the race ended.
Transit corridors are also created during Grand Prix week to facilitate traffic around the city. Their number has been increased to six for 2026, while an additional transit corridor is planned on Uzeyir Hajibeyli Street.
Growing demand has also led to an expansion of spectator facilities. Four new grandstands have been constructed over the past three years, increasing capacity by more than 6,000 seats. The total grandstand capacity now exceeds 21,000 spectators.
Formula 1 has also significantly contributed to Baku's international visibility. The combined audience of the championship's official social media accounts exceeds 115 million, while around 300 local and international media representatives covered the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2025.
The 2025 race also set a new US television record for the Baku event. An average audience of 1.1 million viewers watched the Grand Prix live on ESPN, the highest figure recorded for the Azerbaijan race on US television.
The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place in Baku from September 24 to 26.
