F1 Heads to Azerbaijan with Antonelli Holding Significant Championship Lead
Andrea Kimi Antonelli carries an 81-point advantage into the next Grand Prix, as the drivers' championship battle continues in Baku.
The story
Formula 1 is currently observing a brief rest period following the Spanish Grand Prix. With no on-track action since the last race, the focus shifts to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes leads the drivers' championship with 292 points, maintaining a substantial 81-point gap over his teammate George Russell. Lewis Hamilton sits in third, 101 points behind Antonelli, after retiring from the Spanish Grand Prix due to brake issues.
The break allows teams to prepare for the unique challenges of the Baku City Circuit, a track known for its blend of tight, technical sections and long, high-speed straights. The championship battle will resume with renewed intensity as the season's final rounds approach.
Championship
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 292 |
| 2 | George Russell | Mercedes | 211 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 191 |
| 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 186 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 167 |
Next race
The Formula 1 calendar moves to the Baku City Circuit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled from September 24-26, 2026. This street circuit is characterized by its contrasting sections, including the narrow uphill run through the medieval walls of Icheri Sheher and a lengthy flat-out stretch along the seafront, promising potential for overtakes into Turn 1.
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