Formula 1 in Baku is about far more than the race itself. Over three days, the Azerbaijan capital becomes a mixture of Formula 1 spectacle, modern architecture, historic streets and one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar. For Pitlane News, this was a particularly special weekend, with our photographer Finlay , on the ground throughout the event ( with assisted F1 accreditation, a 1st for PLN) , capturing the build-up, the teams and drivers, the city and, ultimately, a dramatic race that went right down to the final few metres.

From the opening practice sessions, the atmosphere around Baku was building. The contrast between the modern skyline and the old city provided a spectacular backdrop as the Formula 1 machinery began to attack the streets. The long straight along the waterfront offered a completely different visual experience to the tight, technical section around the historic city walls, giving our photographer plenty of opportunities to capture both the speed of the cars and the character of Baku itself.

Practice also provided the first indication that Mercedes could be a serious force over the weekend. George Russell topped the opening session, while the teams continued to work through their programmes and prepare for the unusual demands of the Baku City Circuit. Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, suffered a hydraulic issue during FP1, adding an early complication to his weekend.

By qualifying, the margins had become much tighter and the pressure considerably higher. Russell produced a remarkable lap to secure pole position, putting the Mercedes at the front of the grid ahead of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. For Antonelli, however, qualifying ended in disappointment when a crash left him down in 16th place for the race.

The photographs from those first two days tell an important part of the Baku story. The cars were only one element. The city itself became part of the backdrop, from the sweeping waterfront to the narrow streets and ancient architecture surrounding the circuit. It is a venue where Formula 1 genuinely feels integrated into its surroundings rather than simply being placed inside a conventional racing facility.

Then came race day.

The 51-lap Azerbaijan Grand Prix began with Russell at the front, but behind him there was plenty of potential trouble. Baku's combination of high-speed sections, heavy braking zones and unforgiving barriers means that even a strong qualifying position provides no guarantee of an easy afternoon.

Russell made the most of his pole position and initially established control at the front. Behind him, the Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar were applying pressure, while Piastri remained firmly involved in the fight near the front.

Antonelli's afternoon started in the opposite direction. Having already been forced to start from 16th, the Mercedes driver initially slipped back to 17th before beginning a patient recovery. Rather than trying to force his way through immediately, Antonelli gradually picked off the cars ahead and waited for opportunities as the race developed.

At the front, Russell was beginning to build a substantial advantage. But Baku has a habit of changing the complexion of a race in an instant.

The first major interruption came when Alexander Albon went into the barriers, bringing out the Safety Car and wiping away Russell's advantage. The field was compressed once again, and the Mercedes driver had to rebuild his lead from scratch.

The restart produced even more drama. Franco Colapinto locked up approaching Turn 1 and collided with his Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly, with Lando Norris subsequently caught up in the incident. All three were forced out of the race, bringing out another Safety Car and once again turning the Grand Prix on its head.

For Oscar Piastri, what had been a promising afternoon then unravelled. Running towards the front, the McLaren driver locked up at Turn 1 and spun, dropping from a potential podium position to the rear of the field. He eventually recovered to finish 14th.

Antonelli, meanwhile, continued his climb. The Italian took advantage of the incidents ahead and eventually found himself running inside the top six. With eight laps remaining, he made his move on Lewis Hamilton to take fifth place, completing a remarkable recovery from his qualifying accident and 16th-place starting position.

But the biggest battle was still to come.

The Safety Cars had transformed Russell's comfortable-looking lead into a genuine fight for victory. Verstappen was now right behind the Mercedes and applying sustained pressure through the closing laps.

Russell was pushing the limits around the narrow Baku streets, while Verstappen remained close enough to take advantage of the smallest mistake. With the long start-finish straight providing one final opportunity, the Red Bull stayed within striking distance as the final lap began.

The pressure continued all the way to the chequered flag. Verstappen drew alongside on the run to the finish, but Russell held firm and crossed the line just 0.196 seconds ahead to take his third victory of the 2026 season and the eighth Grand Prix win of his career.

Verstappen had to settle for second, while Isack Hadjar completed the podium for Red Bull. Charles Leclerc finished fourth, followed by Antonelli in fifth and Hamilton in sixth. Arvid Lindblad took seventh, Esteban Ocon eighth, Oliver Bearman ninth and Carlos Sainz completed the top ten.

For Pitlane News, however, the result was only part of the story.

Being on the ground for the full three days allowed us to capture the weekend as it unfolded rather than simply arriving for the race itself. From the first cars heading onto the circuit, through practice and qualifying, to the intensity of race day, our photography provides a visual record of Formula 1 in one of its most distinctive settings.

Baku delivered the architecture, the atmosphere, the speed and, ultimately, the drama. Russell had looked in control, the Safety Cars changed everything, Antonelli fought his way from the back of the grid and Verstappen came within two-tenths of taking the victory away on the final straight.

For those watching from home, it was another dramatic Formula 1 race. For Pitlane News, it was three days immersed in the atmosphere of Baku, with Finlay capturing images from inside one of the most spectacular weekends on the calendar.