The 2026 Formula 1 calendar places the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on a Saturday, a departure from the usual Sunday race weekend. This scheduling choice is linked to the nation’s observance of Remembrance Day on Sunday, September 27, prompting organisers to move the entire event forward by one day. As a result, practice sessions kick off on Thursday, qualifying takes place on Friday, and the main race unfolds on Saturday, September 26, with the start time set for midday local time (approximately 1 pm UK time, given Azerbaijan’s three‑hour difference from the United Kingdom).
Baku’s street circuit, known as the Baku City Circuit, returned to the F1 schedule for the 2026 season, marking the start of a three‑race overseas swing that will later include Malaysia and Singapore. The circuit has built a reputation for delivering some of the most unpredictable and incident‑laden races of the year.
Its layout combines a long, ultra‑fast straight – the longest on the calendar at roughly 1.4 miles – with a series of tight, technical corners that thread through the historic heart of the city. Drivers regularly exceed 200 mph on the straight, creating massive slip‑streaming opportunities where cars can line up three‑wide before braking for the heavily contested Turn 1.
That corner has already been the scene of dramatic collisions, most famously the 2018 crash between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. After the high‑speed opening sector, the track narrows dramatically as it winds through the ancient district of Baku. Turn 8‑9, often referred to as the "castle" chicane, squeezes the cars to a mere 7.6 metres between the barriers – the tightest point on any F1 circuit. Navigating this section demands absolute precision; a small mistake can send a driver into the walls, ending their race before the first lap is even completed.
The combination of raw speed and razor‑sharp corners makes Baku a true test of both driver skill and team strategy. The weekend’s timetable reflects the earlier start. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers’ press conference is scheduled for 11 am, followed by a paddock‑uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday, September 24, sees the first two practice sessions: a Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, the inaugural F1 practice at 9:30 am, and a second practice beginning at 1 pm after a brief intermission for the F2 qualifying. The day also includes a team‑bosses’ press conference at noon and an episode of "The F1 Show" at 2:15 pm.
Friday, September 25, is packed with action. The Formula 2 sprint race starts at 5:10 am, followed by the third F1 practice session at 9:30 am. Later in the morning, the F2 feature race runs, and the build‑up to the main qualifying session begins at 12:30 pm. Qualifying itself is slated for 1 pm, with a post‑qualifying analysis segment – "Ted’s Qualifying Notebook" – at 3 pm.
Saturday’s schedule culminates with the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, the Grand Prix start at 10:30 am (local time), and post‑race coverage including a chequered‑flag reaction and another "Ted’s Notebook" segment. Weather forecasts for the week predict warm, dry conditions with daytime highs in the mid‑20s Celsius, providing optimal grip levels for the high‑downforce cars but also demanding careful tyre management as the track temperature climbs. From a championship perspective, the race arrives at a pivotal moment. Kimi Antonelli currently leads the drivers’ standings by a sizable 81 points after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid.
With eight rounds remaining after Baku, his rivals must seize any opportunity to close the gap, and the unpredictable nature of the Baku circuit could prove decisive. As last year’s title‑contender Oscar Piastri discovered, the wall‑lined layout can punish even the slightest lapse in concentration. For fans watching from the United Kingdom, the entire weekend is accessible via Sky Sports F1.
Live coverage begins with the first practice on Thursday morning and continues through to the race on Saturday. Sky customers can also stream the action on the Sky Sports app, which offers an optional onboard camera view for a more immersive experience. Those without a Sky subscription can opt for the NOW streaming service, which provides day‑pass or month‑pass options without a long‑term contract.
The race will also be accompanied by a live blog for on‑the‑go updates, and highlights will be posted shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app. In summary, the decision to hold the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on a Saturday is driven by the country’s national holiday schedule, resulting in a compressed but action‑filled weekend.
The Baku City Circuit’s blend of blistering straight‑line speed and narrow, historic streets promises another thrilling chapter in the season’s narrative, while the championship battle tightens as Antonelli’s lead faces fresh challenges. Whether you are a die‑hard follower of the sport or a casual viewer, the Saturday race offers a unique spectacle that showcases the very best of Formula 1’s blend of technology, talent, and drama.