10 Years, 20,000 Volunteers: The Story of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Volunteer Programme

As the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, training is underway for the volunteers who will contribute to the delivery of one of the country’s largest international sporting events.

Around 2,000 volunteers are expected to be involved in the organisation of the 2026 Formula 1 race weekend.

The year 2026 is also a milestone for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Volunteer Programme. As Formula 1 prepares for its 10th race in Azerbaijan, the volunteer programme is also getting ready for its 10th Grand Prix. Over the past decade, interest in the programme has grown significantly. While around 7,000 candidates registered in 2016, the number reached a record 49,000 in 2026. It took just 72 hours to reach this record number of applications.

Over the past 10 years, more than 20,000 volunteers have contributed to the organisation of Formula 1 races in Baku. While young people have traditionally made up the majority of the volunteer team, the programme has brought together participants from a wide range of age groups. The youngest volunteer to take part in the programme was 16, while the oldest was 75.

The Baku City Circuit Academy (BCC Academy), which has been operating since 2016, has played an important role in the development of the volunteer programme. The Academy’s training programmes not only prepare volunteers for the responsibilities they undertake during the race weekend, but also support the development of their personal and professional skills.

As part of their preparation, volunteers take part in a range of training sessions and practical activities. They develop teamwork and communication skills, learn to operate effectively in a dynamic environment and gain hands-on experience in the delivery of an international sporting event.

For many participants, the volunteer programme has also become a first step towards a professional career. Baku City Circuit places particular emphasis on providing opportunities for former volunteers who have demonstrated strong performance to join the organisation’s workforce at a later stage.

Over the past 10 years, more than 400 people who began their journey as volunteers have subsequently joined Baku City Circuit’s operations as employees. This approach continues to provide volunteers with an opportunity to turn the experience and skills gained through the programme into professional careers.

The journey from around 7,000 applications in 2016 to a record 49,000 applications received in just 72 hours in 2026 reflects the significant development of the volunteer programme and the growing interest it continues to generate. In its anniversary year, around 2,000 selected volunteers will write the next chapter of this story by contributing to the organisation of the 10th Azerbaijan Grand Prix.