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Historically, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has typically featured a single pit stop for tire changes, and Pirelli anticipates a similar scenario for today's race in Baku.
According to data gathered by the Italian manufacturer during practice sessions along the Caspian Sea, the most optimal strategy for covering the 51-lap distance will involve starting on the medium compound and finishing on the softs. The pit stop window is projected to be between laps 26 and 32.
An earlier stop is also possible, though this would necessitate a switch to the hard tires, which are unlikely to pose reliability issues. Of course, more aggressive strategies are also on the table, such as starting on soft tires and finishing on either the mediums or the hards.
In Baku, the potential for a safety car or virtual safety car intervention should never be underestimated. Of all the races held on the Caspian Sea circuit to date, only the inaugural event proceeded without any neutralization.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Round 15 of the 2026 Formula 1 season, kicks off at 2:00 PM Bulgarian time and can be followed live on Sportal.bg.
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