The 2026 Formula 1 calendar will see the Azerbaijan Grand Prix unfold on a Saturday, marking a slight shift from the traditional Sunday finale that most fans are accustomed to. This adjustment is part of a broader schedule that sees the Baku City Circuit hosting the first leg of a three‑race overseas swing, followed by stops in Malaysia and Singapore.
By moving the entire weekend forward by one day, organisers have arranged practice sessions for Thursday, qualifying on Friday, and the main race on Saturday, September 26. The decision to hold the race a day earlier is linked to the nation’s observance of Remembrance Day on Sunday, September 27, ensuring the sporting spectacle does not clash with national commemorations. The Baku City Circuit, situated on the Caspian Sea’s western shore where Europe meets Asia, first entered the F1 roster in 2016 under the banner of the European Grand Prix before adopting the Azerbaijan name the following year. Since then, it has earned a reputation as one of the series’ fastest and most unforgiving street tracks.
Its 1.4‑mile (2.2‑km) main straight is the longest on the calendar, allowing cars to exceed 200 mph and creating abundant slip‑streaming opportunities. Drivers often line up three‑wide as they accelerate down this straight, making overtaking a spectacular, if risky, affair. The high‑speed nature of the circuit was dramatically illustrated in 2018 when Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo collided at the massive Turn 1 braking zone. Beyond the blistering straight, the layout weaves through the historic heart of Baku, featuring a series of tight 90‑degree corners and the notorious Turn 8‑9 "castle" chicane.
This particular segment squeezes the cars to a mere 7.6 metres between the barriers, threading them past UNESCO‑protected medieval architecture. The narrowest point of the entire season lies here, demanding pinpoint precision and unwavering concentration from the drivers. Mistakes are costly; as Oscar Piastri discovered in the previous year’s race, a single slip can end a weekend in an instant on this wall‑lined track.
Heading into the weekend, the championship narrative is dominated by Kimi Antonelli, who sits atop the standings with an 81‑point lead after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid. With eight rounds remaining after Baku, his rivals are under immense pressure to close the gap.
The Saturday race will therefore not only be a test of speed but also a crucial juncture in the title fight, as challengers scramble to amass points before the season’s final stretch. The timing of the sessions reflects Azerbaijan’s three‑hour time‑difference from the United Kingdom. Consequently, qualifying is slated for 1 pm local time, while the Grand Prix itself starts at midday, slightly earlier than the typical European weekend schedule. Weather forecasts predict warm, dry conditions throughout the week, with daytime temperatures hovering in the mid‑20s Celsius, providing optimal grip and minimal rain‑related interruptions.
The official programme is packed with action across both Formula 1 and its feeder series, Formula 2. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers’ press conference kicks off at 11 am, followed by the paddock‑uncut interview at 2 pm.
Thursday, September 24, sees the first F2 practice at 6:55 am, the opening F1 practice session at 9:30 am, and the second F1 practice at 1 pm, interspersed with team‑boss press briefings and the popular "The F1 Show" at 2:15 pm. Friday’s agenda includes the F2 sprint at 5:10 am, a third F1 practice at 9:30 am, the F2 feature race at 11:10 am, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at 1 pm, complemented by "Ted’s Qualifying Notebook" at 3 pm. Saturday culminates with the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, the Grand Prix itself at 12 pm, and post‑race analysis, including the chequered‑flag reaction and another edition of Ted’s notebook.
Fans can tune in via Sky Sports F1, which will broadcast every session from Thursday’s first practice through to the Saturday race. Sky subscribers also have the option to stream live coverage on the Sky Sports app, with the added novelty of an on‑board camera feed from any driver’s cockpit.
For those without a Sky contract, the NOW streaming service offers flexible day‑or‑month passes, granting access to all Sky Sports channels and the ability to cancel at any time. Additionally, a live blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates for viewers on the move, and highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the checkered flag.
In summary, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix’s Saturday slot is a strategic move to respect national holidays while still delivering a high‑octane weekend for global audiences. The Baku City Circuit’s blend of extreme straight‑line speed, razor‑sharp corners, and historic scenery ensures that the race will be one of the most thrilling—and potentially chaotic—events of the 2026 season. Whether you are tracking the championship battle, admiring the engineering marvels of the cars, or simply enjoying the spectacle of motorsport in a city where East meets West, the Saturday race promises unforgettable moments for fans and competitors alike.