The 2026 Formula 1 calendar brings the sport back to the Baku City Circuit for what is traditionally one of the most unpredictable and action‑filled rounds of the year, and this time the event will unfold on a Saturday rather than the usual Sunday. This shift is due to local observances and logistical considerations, and it has a ripple effect on the entire weekend schedule, moving practice sessions to Thursday, qualifying to Friday, and the main race to Saturday midday.
Baku kicks off a three‑race overseas swing that will see the championship travel next to Malaysia and then Singapore. The early start means teams and drivers have a compressed timetable: the first practice session opens the doors on Thursday morning, followed by a second session later that day, while Friday is reserved for the final practice and the crucial qualifying run that determines the starting grid for Saturday's Grand Prix. At the moment, Kimi Antonelli dominates the drivers' standings, having amassed an 81‑point lead after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid.
With eight races remaining after Baku, his rivals are feeling the pressure to string together strong results before the season’s final stretch. Yet the Baku circuit has a reputation for overturning even the most comfortable leads.
Last year, Oscar Piastri learned the hard way that a single mistake on the narrow, wall‑lined streets can end a promising weekend in disaster, as the high‑speed layout leaves little margin for error both in qualifying and during the race. The decision to run the Grand Prix on Saturday, 26 September, stems from Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day, which falls on Sunday, 27 September. Holding the race a day earlier respects the holiday and allows local authorities to manage crowds and security more effectively.
Consequently, the entire program is shifted forward: qualifying takes place on Friday, and the two practice sessions that normally occur on Friday are moved to Thursday. Because Azerbaijan is three hours ahead of the United Kingdom, the broadcast times are slightly earlier than those used for European rounds. Qualifying is scheduled for 13:00 local time, and the race itself starts at 12:00 noon, meaning UK viewers will see the action at 10:00 am and 09:00 am respectively.
This timing also benefits fans in Asia, offering a more convenient viewing window. Baku’s street circuit first appeared on the F1 calendar in 2016 under the banner of the European Grand Prix. From the following year onward it has been known as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and it quickly earned a reputation as one of the sport’s fastest and most demanding city tracks.
The 1.4‑mile main straight is the longest of the season, allowing cars to exceed 200 mph and creating endless opportunities for slipstreaming and multi‑car overtakes. The dramatic braking zone into Turn 1 has produced memorable incidents, including the 2018 clash between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.
After the initial high‑speed sector, the layout transitions into a series of shorter straights linked by tight 90‑degree corners before entering the historic heart of Baku. Here, the circuit narrows dramatically; Turn 8‑9, known as the "castle" chicane, squeezes the track to a mere 7.6 metres between the barriers, weaving past UNESCO‑protected medieval architecture. This section is notoriously difficult, demanding precise car placement and unwavering concentration from drivers. Weather forecasts predict warm, dry conditions throughout the weekend, with daytime temperatures hovering in the mid‑20s Celsius.
Such stable weather should allow teams to focus on setup rather than tyre management for rain, although the high ambient heat may influence tyre degradation and cooling strategies. The official schedule is as follows: - Wednesday 23 September 11:00 – Drivers' press conference; 14:00 – Paddock Uncut - Thursday 24 September 06:55 – F2 practice; 09:00 – Azerbaijan GP Practice 1 (starts 09:30); 10:55 – F2 qualifying; 12:00 – Team bosses' press conference; 12:30 – Practice 2 (starts 13:00); 14:15 – The F1 Show - Friday 25 September 05:10 – F2 sprint; 09:15 – Practice 3 (starts 09:30); 11:10 – F2 Feature Race 1; 12:30 – Qualifying build‑up; 13:00 – Azerbaijan GP Qualifying; 15:00 – Ted’s Qualifying Notebook - Saturday 26 September 07:55 – F2 Feature Race 2; 10:30 – Grand Prix; 12:00 – The Azerbaijan Grand Prix; 14:00 – Chequered‑flag reaction; 15:00 – Ted’s Notebook All sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 for subscribers, with the option to stream via the Sky Sports app, which also offers an on‑board camera experience for any driver. Non‑subscribers can access the coverage through the NOW streaming service, available as a day pass or a flexible month‑to‑month membership that can be cancelled at any time.
A live blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates for fans on the move, and highlights are posted shortly after the race concludes. For Sky customers, the package includes Sky ID assistance, a comprehensive guide to creating or locating your Sky ID, and the ability to watch on over 60 devices through the NOW app. The service is contract‑free, allowing viewers to subscribe for a single day or a full month, with pricing details available on the NOW website.
In summary, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix’s Saturday slot is a direct result of the nation’s Remembrance Day observance, prompting an adjusted weekend timetable that still delivers a full complement of practice, qualifying, and race action. The Baku City Circuit’s blend of blistering straight‑line speed, tight historic corners, and a passionate local audience ensures that the event will be a highlight of the 2026 season, offering both drama on track and convenient viewing options for fans worldwide.