The 2026 Formula 1 calendar brings the sport back to the Baku City Circuit, a venue that has earned a reputation for delivering some of the most dramatic and incident‑laden races of the year. This weekend’s event is unusual because the entire schedule has been shifted forward by a day, meaning that practice sessions begin on Thursday, qualifying takes place on Friday, and the Grand Prix itself is held on Saturday, September 26. The adjustment is made to accommodate Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day, which falls on Sunday, September 27, and ensures that the festivities do not clash with the race. Baku’s place on the calendar marks the start of a three‑race overseas swing that will see the championship travel next to Malaysia and then Singapore.
The early start also means that the local time zone – three hours ahead of the United Kingdom – pushes the sessions slightly earlier than they are for most European rounds. Qualifying is slated for 1 pm local time, while the race will kick off at midday, providing a compact, action‑packed weekend for fans around the world. The current championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, sits atop the standings with an 81‑point cushion after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid. With eight rounds remaining after Baku, his rivals will be desperate to close the gap, but the Baku circuit is notorious for punishing even the smallest mistake.
Oscar Piastri’s crash last year, when he ran into the wall that lines the fast, narrow sections of the track, is a stark reminder that the street layout can be unforgiving for both qualifying laps and race distance. The Baku City Circuit first entered the Formula 1 schedule in 2016 under the banner of the European Grand Prix before adopting the country’s name from the following season onward.
It is one of the sport’s fastest street courses, featuring a 1.4‑mile (2.2 km) main straight that is the longest on the calendar. Cars routinely exceed 200 mph on this straight, creating ample opportunities for slipstreaming and multi‑car overtakes, often with three cars abreast.
The high‑speed nature of the circuit is balanced by a series of tight, 90‑degree corners that demand precise braking and acceleration. One of the most infamous sections is Turn One, a heavy braking zone that has been the scene of major incidents, including the 2018 clash between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.
After navigating two shorter straights and classic street‑circuit bends, the layout enters the historic part of Baku. Here, the track narrows dramatically to just 7.6 metres between the barriers at the Turn Eight‑Nine "castle" chicane, threading the cars past the UNESCO‑protected medieval quarter. This bottleneck is the narrowest point on any Formula 1 circuit and tests drivers’ precision and bravery.
Weather forecasts for race week predict warm, dry conditions with highs in the mid‑20s Celsius, which should keep the track surface consistent and reduce the likelihood of rain‑induced surprises. The schedule is packed with supporting events, beginning with a drivers’ press conference on Wednesday, September 23 at 11 am, followed by a paddock‑uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday features the first two Formula 2 practice sessions, the opening Formula 1 practice at 9:30 am, and a team bosses’ press conference at noon. Friday’s agenda includes a Formula 2 sprint, the third Formula 1 practice, the Formula 2 feature race, and finally the crucial qualifying session at 1 pm. Saturday culminates with the second Formula 2 feature race, the Grand Prix at 12 pm, and post‑race analysis. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the entire weekend, starting with Thursday’s first practice and concluding with the race on Saturday.
Subscribers can also stream the coverage via the Sky Sports app, which offers an optional onboard camera feed for an immersive driver‑perspective experience. Non‑Sky customers have the alternative of streaming through the NOW platform, which provides flexible day‑or‑month passes and can be accessed on over 60 devices without a long‑term contract. In addition to live television, fans can follow a dedicated F1 live blog for real‑time updates, and highlights will be posted shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app. The NOW service, part of the Sky ecosystem, gives instant access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the premium Sky Sports+ streams, making it a convenient option for those who prefer streaming over traditional satellite.
Overall, the Saturday race in Baku promises a blend of high‑speed thrills, tight city‑centre challenges, and a strategic battle for the championship. With the early start of the weekend, the compressed timetable, and the national holiday influencing the schedule, spectators can expect a unique Formula 1 experience that showcases both the sport’s technical brilliance and the cultural backdrop of Azerbaijan. Whether you are a die‑hard fan tracking the points battle or a casual viewer attracted by the spectacle of cars roaring through historic streets, the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to deliver an unforgettable weekend of racing.