The 2026 Formula 1 calendar brings the sport back to the Baku City Circuit for what is typically one of the most unpredictable and incident‑laden rounds of the year, and this time the event is scheduled for a Saturday rather than the usual Sunday. The decision to move the Grand Prix forward by a day is tied to Azerbaijan’s national observances and the logistical demands of a tightly packed triple‑header that also includes stops in Malaysia and Singapore.
**Weekend timetable and the reason for the Saturday race** The Baku weekend will kick off on Thursday with the first practice session, followed by a second practice on Friday morning and the qualifying session later that same day. The main race itself is slated for Saturday, 26 September, at midday local time. This shift is required because Sunday, 27 September, is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day, a public holiday that would limit spectator attendance and complicate local services. By moving the Grand Prix to Saturday, organisers ensure that fans, staff and emergency services can operate without conflicting with the national ceremony.
Because Azerbaijan lies three hours ahead of the United Kingdom, the on‑track schedule is slightly earlier than the typical European weekend. Qualifying will run at 13:00 local time (10:00 GMT) and the race will start at 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT), giving British viewers a convenient mid‑morning slot and allowing the broadcast to fit neatly into Sky Sports’ programming.
**Championship context** Entering Baku, Kimi Antonelli dominates the drivers’ standings with an 81‑point lead after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid. With eight rounds remaining after this event, his rivals must produce a strong showing to keep their hopes alive. Oscar Piastri, the reigning champion, learned a harsh lesson at the previous year’s Baku race when a small error on the wall‑lined circuit ended his challenge early. The narrow, high‑speed layout of the Baku street circuit leaves little margin for error, and even the smallest misjudgment can result in a costly crash.
**The Baku City Circuit – a blend of speed and precision** First introduced to the F1 calendar in 2016, the Baku City Circuit quickly earned a reputation as one of the sport’s fastest street tracks. The 1.4‑mile (2.2‑km) main straight is the longest of the season, allowing cars to exceed 200 mph and creating dramatic slipstream battles where three cars can line up side‑by‑side. The opening Turn 1 braking zone has already produced memorable incidents, most notably the 2018 clash between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.
After the initial straight, the layout shifts to a series of shorter straights linked by classic 90‑degree street‑circuit corners. The track then weaves through the historic heart of Baku, reaching its narrowest point at Turn 8‑9 – a tight, castle‑like chicane only 7.6 m between the barriers. This section runs past the UNESCO‑protected medieval district and demands absolute precision; any deviation can send a car into the walls. The total circuit length is 3.7 miles (5.97 km), and its hybrid nature – part ultra‑fast straight, part technical city maze – rewards drivers who can balance raw speed with delicate car control.
Slipstreaming on the long straight often sets up overtaking opportunities into Turn 1, while the tight chicane tests braking stability and tyre management. **Weather and conditions** Forecasts for race week predict warm, dry weather with daytime highs in the mid‑20s °C (mid‑70s °F). Such conditions are ideal for tyre performance, but the high ambient temperature can increase tyre degradation, especially on the abrasive street surface.
Teams will need to balance qualifying pace with race‑long durability, possibly opting for harder compounds to withstand the long stint on the demanding circuit. **Full schedule at a glance** - **Wednesday 23 Sept** – 11:00 press conference; 14:00 Paddock Uncut - **Thursday 24 Sept** – 06:55 F2 practice; 09:30 GP practice 1; 10:55 F2 qualifying; 12:00 team bosses’ press conference; 12:30 GP practice 2 (starts 13:00); 14:15 The F1 Show - **Friday 25 Sept** – 05:10 F2 sprint; 09:30 GP practice 3; 11:10 F2 feature race 1; 12:30 qualifying build‑up; 13:00 GP qualifying; 15:00 Ted’s Qualifying Notebook - **Saturday 26 Sept** – 07:55 F2 feature race 2; 10:30 Grand Prix start; 12:00 race finish; 14:00 post‑race reaction; 15:00 Ted’s Notebook All sessions marked with an asterisk will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. **Viewing options** Sky Sports subscribers can watch every session from Thursday practice through to the Saturday race on Sky Sports F1. The coverage is also available via the Sky Sports app, which offers an optional onboard camera view for a more immersive experience.
Non‑Sky customers can access the action through the NOW streaming service, which provides flexible day‑or‑month passes and can be used on over 60 devices. A live blog will run throughout the weekend for fans on the move, and highlights will be posted on the Sky Sports app shortly after the chequered flag. **Why a Saturday race matters for fans and teams** Holding the Grand Prix on Saturday compresses the weekend, giving teams a tighter turnaround between practice, qualifying and the race. This can influence strategy decisions, particularly regarding tyre allocation and set‑up changes.
For fans, the earlier race time means a more convenient viewing slot in Europe and North America, potentially boosting live‑TV audiences. In summary, the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will unfold on a Saturday to respect the nation’s Remembrance Day and to accommodate a demanding triple‑header schedule. The Baku City Circuit’s blend of blistering straight‑line speed and narrow, technical sections promises high‑octane action, while the championship battle between Kimi Antonelli and his challengers adds extra intrigue. Whether you are watching on Sky Sports, streaming via NOW, or following the live blog, the Saturday race is set to deliver one of the most exciting weekends on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.