Williams engineer flags Baku energy demands under 2026 rules
Williams Chief Trackside Engineer Paul Williams said Baku's long lap and extended full-throttle section from Turn 16 to Turn 1 will force teams to reach Turn 16 on a full battery charge. Outlap procedures may change because of delayed MGU-K availability in the 2026 regulations. The circuit ranks medium-to-high in energy sensitivity.
Baku layout stresses 2026 power units
Williams Chief Trackside Engineer Paul Williams described Baku as a medium-to-high energy sensitivity circuit. The main factor is the extremely long run from Turn 16 to Turn 1, where teams expect to use the full battery window in both qualifying and the race.[1]
Exiting Turn 16 at 100 percent charge will be critical. Most corners remain low speed, with high-speed sections taken flat. The Turn 18-19 sequence could require a lift under lower 2026 downforce levels.[1]
Outlap and MGU-K timing
The MGU-K delay before a push lap will be the longest of the season on the main straight. Teams may explore different outlap options. Cars on slow laps and fast laps could travel at very different speeds down the straight.[1] [3]
Track and tyre factors
Pirelli brought the softest compounds, suited to the circuit's low tyre energy density. The track generates high longitudinal energy but low lateral energy, making tyre temperature build difficult. The surface is smooth and low-grip, with larger track temperature variation than typical.[1]
Related reading
- [1]Technical Brief: Azerbaijan (williamsf1). Accessed 2026-09-24.
- [2]Some technical insights ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku (grandprix247). Accessed 2026-09-24.
- [3]Azerbaijan Grand Prix Preview - Williams (pitpass). Accessed 2026-09-24.