The 2026 Formula 1 calendar brings the sport back to the Baku City Circuit for what is often the most chaotic weekend of the year, and this time the main event will take place on a Saturday rather than the usual Sunday. The decision to move the Grand Prix forward is linked to Azerbaijan's national observances and the logistical demands of a three‑race swing that also includes Malaysia and Singapore. The Baku weekend will follow an accelerated schedule: the first free‑practice session kicks off on Thursday morning, the second practice session runs later that day, and the final practice is held on Friday morning.
Qualifying is slated for Friday afternoon, and the race itself will start at midday on Saturday, September 26. The shift to a Saturday race is required because Sunday, September 27, is Azerbaijan's Remembrance Day, a public holiday that would clash with a traditional Sunday Grand Prix.
By moving the event forward, organizers respect the national holiday while still delivering a full‑weekend programme for fans and teams. Baku joined the F1 roster in 2016, initially under the banner of the European Grand Prix before adopting the country's name from the following season. The circuit is a street layout that snakes through the historic centre of the Caspian‑sea capital, blending modern skyscrapers with medieval architecture. Its 1.4‑mile (2.2 km) straight is the longest on the calendar, allowing cars to exceed 200 mph and creating endless opportunities for slipstream battles and multi‑car overtakes.
The straight feeds into a heavy braking zone at Turn 1, a spot that has already produced dramatic incidents, most famously the 2018 collision between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. After the opening straight, drivers negotiate two shorter straights linked by tight 90‑degree corners before the track plunges into the old town. Here, the narrowest section of the season appears at Turn 8‑9, a castle‑like chicane only 7.6 metres wide, flanked by UNESCO‑protected stone walls. The combination of high speed, limited runoff and close barriers makes Baku a true test of driver precision and bravery, and it rewards those who can keep a cool head under pressure.
The championship narrative heading into Baku is dominated by Kimi Antonelli, who sits atop the drivers' standings with an 81‑point lead after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid. With eight rounds remaining, his rivals must mount a serious challenge if they hope to close the gap. However, the Baku circuit has a reputation for reshuffling the order; even the then‑title leader Oscar Piastri learned the hard way last year that a single mistake can end a race instantly. Weather forecasts for the weekend predict warm, dry conditions with high temperatures in the mid‑20s Celsius, ideal for generating fast lap times but also demanding careful tyre management.
The schedule is packed with supporting events: Formula 2 practice and qualifying sessions run alongside the F1 programme, and the F2 sprint and feature races provide additional on‑track action for fans. Key timings for the weekend are as follows: - Wednesday 23 Sept – Drivers' press conference at 11:00, followed by the Paddock Uncut interview at 14:00. - Thursday 24 Sept – F2 practice at 06:55, F1 Practice 1 at 09:30, F2 qualifying at 10:55, Team bosses' press conference at 12:00, F1 Practice 2 at 13:00, and the F1 Show at 15:15. - Friday 25 Sept – F2 sprint at 05:10, F1 Practice 3 at 09:30, F2 Feature Race 1 at 11:10, build‑up to qualifying at 12:30, and the crucial qualifying session at 13:00, followed by Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 15:00.
- Saturday 26 Sept – F2 Feature Race 2 at 07:55, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix start at 12:00, post‑race reaction at 14:00, and Ted's final notebook at 15:00. Broadcast options are extensive. Sky Sports F1 will carry every session from Thursday practice through to the Saturday race, with live coverage available on the Sky Sports app for subscribers who prefer to watch on mobile devices.
Non‑Sky customers can stream the weekend via the NOW platform, which offers flexible day‑or‑month passes and works on more than 60 devices. A live blog will provide minute‑by‑minute updates for those on the move, and highlights will be posted shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app. For Sky customers, additional services include Sky ID assistance for account management and the ability to follow any driver’s onboard feed during the race. NOW’s contract‑free model lets viewers cancel at any time, making it a convenient option for casual fans who only want to watch the Baku race.
In summary, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix’s Saturday slot is a practical solution to accommodate a national holiday while preserving the integrity of a packed three‑race swing. The Baku City Circuit promises the usual blend of blistering speed, tight corners and unpredictable drama that can reshape the championship standings. With Kimi Antonelli leading the pack and his challengers scrambling for points, the Saturday race will be a pivotal chapter in the 2026 Formula 1 story.