The 2026 Formula 1 calendar sees the Azerbaijan Grand Prix taking place on a Saturday, a departure from the usual Sunday slot for most races. This shift is driven by local observances and logistical considerations, and it creates a unique weekend structure for teams, drivers, and fans alike.
### A Different Weekend Rhythm Unlike a typical Grand Prix weekend, the Baku event starts a full day earlier. Practice sessions are slated for Thursday, qualifying is held on Friday, and the race itself runs on Saturday, 26 September.
The adjustment accommodates Azerbaijan's Remembrance Day, which falls on Sunday, 27 September. By moving the race forward, organisers avoid clashing with national commemorations and ensure that the event receives undivided attention from the host country. ### Timing and Broadcast Implications Azerbaijan operates three hours ahead of the United Kingdom.
Consequently, the schedule is slightly earlier than the European rounds. Qualifying is set for 13:00 local time, while the Grand Prix kicks off at 12:00 noon.
For UK viewers, this translates to a 10:00 am qualifying session and a 9:00 am race start, meaning fans can watch the action early in the morning without missing work or other commitments. ### The Baku City Circuit – A Fast, Tight, and Dangerous Playground The Baku City Circuit, first introduced to the F1 calendar in 2016, is renowned for its blend of ultra‑high‑speed sections and razor‑sharp street‑circuit corners. The 1.4‑mile (2.2 km) main straight is the longest of the season, allowing cars to exceed 200 mph and creating spectacular slip‑stream battles. Drivers often line up three abreast as they charge down this straight, making overtaking a regular feature.
At the opposite end of the track, the historic old town presents a stark contrast. Turn Eight‑Nine, a narrow chicane only 7.6 m between the barriers, winds through UNESCO‑protected medieval architecture. This is the narrowest point on the calendar and demands absolute precision; any mis‑calculation can end a driver’s weekend in an instant. The infamous Turn One braking zone has already produced dramatic incidents, most notably the 2018 collision between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.
### Championship Context Going into Baku, Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship by a substantial 81 points after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid. With eight rounds remaining after Azerbaijan, his rivals must mount a serious challenge to keep their title hopes alive. Oscar Piastri, the reigning champion, learned the hard way at last year’s Baku race how unforgiving the circuit can be; a single mistake in the wall‑lined sections can erase an entire season’s effort. ### Weather Outlook Meteorological forecasts predict warm, dry conditions throughout the race weekend, with daytime highs hovering in the mid‑20s Celsius.
Such stable weather should provide consistent grip levels, allowing teams to focus on strategy rather than tyre management under changing conditions. ### Full Event Schedule **Wednesday, 23 September** - 11:00 am – Drivers' press conference - 2:00 pm – Paddock Uncut interview series **Thursday, 24 September** - 6:55 am – Formula 2 practice session - 9:30 am – Azerbaijan GP Practice 1 (starts at 9:30 am) - 10:55 am – Formula 2 qualifying - 12:00 pm – Team bosses' press conference - 12:30 pm – Azerbaijan GP Practice 2 (starts at 1:00 pm) - 2:15 pm – The F1 Show (analysis and preview) **Friday, 25 September** - 5:10 am – Formula 2 sprint race - 9:30 am – Azerbaijan GP Practice 3 (starts at 9:30 am) - 11:10 am – Formula 2 Feature Race 1 - 12:30 pm – Build‑up to qualifying - 1:00 pm – Azerbaijan GP Qualifying (live) - 3:00 pm – Ted’s Qualifying Notebook (post‑session analysis) **Saturday, 26 September** - 7:55 am – Formula 2 Feature Race 2 - 10:30 am – Grand Prix build‑up programme - 12:00 pm – Azerbaijan Grand Prix (live race) - 2:00 pm – Chequered‑flag reaction panel - 3:00 pm – Ted’s Notebook (race recap) All sessions marked with an asterisk are also broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
### How to Watch - **Television**: Sky Sports F1 will carry every session from Thursday practice through to the Saturday race. UK viewers can tune in from the first practice session at 9:30 am local time (6:30 am UK) until the race conclusion at 12:00 pm local time (9:00 am UK). - **App**: Sky Sports subscribers may stream the coverage via the Sky Sports app, with the added option of selecting a driver’s onboard camera for a personalised perspective. - **Streaming**: Non‑Sky customers can access the action through the NOW platform, available as a day pass or a flexible month‑to‑month membership that can be cancelled at any time.
- **Live Blog**: For those on the move, a dedicated F1 live‑blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates, timing screens, and expert commentary. - **Highlights**: After the race, Sky Sports will upload a highlights reel to its app, allowing fans to relive the most exciting moments shortly after the checkered flag.
### Subscription Details for NOW NOW is a contract‑free streaming service that gives instant access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports+, across more than 60 devices. Users can choose between a daily pass or a monthly membership, with prices updated regularly on the NOW website. The service is ideal for viewers who only need coverage for a single weekend or prefer not to commit to a long‑term contract. ### Final Thoughts The decision to hold the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on a Saturday reflects a respectful alignment with local holidays and offers a fresh rhythm to the early part of the 2026 season.
The Baku City Circuit’s blend of blistering speed, narrow historic streets, and high‑stakes overtaking opportunities ensures that the race will be one of the most thrilling and unpredictable events on the calendar. With the championship battle heating up and a packed schedule of support races, fans have plenty to look forward to throughout the weekend.