The 2026 Formula 1 calendar sees the Azerbaijan Grand Prix taking place on Saturday, September 26, a deviation from the usual Sunday slot that many fans are accustomed to. This shift is primarily due to the country’s national observance of Remembrance Day, which falls on Sunday, September 27. By moving the race forward by one day, organisers respect the holiday while still delivering a full weekend of action for spectators and broadcasters. The Baku City Circuit, a street layout that snakes through the historic heart of Azerbaijan’s capital, will host its third consecutive race of a three‑event fly‑away swing that also includes Malaysia and Singapore.
The weekend’s schedule is compressed: practice sessions kick off on Thursday, qualifying is slated for Friday, and the main race unfolds on Saturday. Because Azerbaijan is three hours ahead of the United Kingdom, the timings are slightly earlier than those used during the European leg of the season – qualifying will run at 1 p.m. local time and the Grand Prix will start around midday. Baku’s return to the F1 calendar in 2016 was initially under the banner of the European Grand Prix, but from the following year the event adopted the country’s name.
Since then it has earned a reputation as one of the sport’s fastest and most unforgiving street tracks. The circuit stretches 1.4 miles (2.2 km) along the main straight, the longest straight on the 2026 schedule, where cars regularly exceed 200 mph. The sheer length creates massive slip‑streaming opportunities, allowing drivers to line up three‑wide and launch daring overtakes into Turn 1 – a heavy braking zone that has been the scene of dramatic incidents, most notably the 2018 clash between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. After the opening straight, the layout narrows dramatically as it winds through the old city.
Turn 8‑9, known as the "castle" chicane, is the tightest section of any Grand Prix circuit this year, with just 7.6 metres separating the barriers. Navigating this part of the track demands absolute precision, as a single mis‑calculation can end a driver’s race before the first lap is even completed.
The combination of high‑speed sections and razor‑sharp corners makes Baku a true test of both car performance and driver skill. The weekend’s program is packed with supporting action. Friday morning begins with the Formula 2 Sprint at 5:10 a.m., followed by the third practice session for the Azerbaijan GP at 9:15 a.m.
(the session itself starts at 9:30 a.m.). Later that morning the F2 Feature Race 1 runs, leading into the build‑up for qualifying.
At 1 p.m. the Azerbaijan GP qualifying session takes place, after which fans can enjoy analysis in "Ted’s Qualifying Notebook" at 3 p.m. Saturday’s schedule continues the excitement with the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 a.m., and the Grand Prix itself begins at 10:30 a.m. The race is expected to run in warm, dry conditions with temperatures hovering in the mid‑20s Celsius, providing optimal grip for the slick tyres.
After the checkered flag, a post‑race reaction segment will be broadcast at 2 p.m., followed by another edition of "Ted’s Notebook" at 3 p.m. For viewers in the UK, Sky Sports F1 will carry every session from Thursday’s opening practice through to Saturday’s race. Sky customers can also stream the coverage via the Sky Sports app, which offers the option to follow a specific driver’s onboard feed. Those without a Sky subscription can access the event through the NOW streaming platform, either with a day pass or a flexible month‑to‑month membership that can be cancelled at any time.
A live blog will provide real‑time updates for fans on the move, and highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the race concludes. The early‑Saturday slot also benefits teams and drivers by providing an extra day of rest before the next leg of the triple‑header in Malaysia. With eight races remaining after Baku, the championship battle is heating up. Kimi Antonelli currently leads the drivers’ standings by 81 points after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid, while his rivals scramble to close the gap.
The demanding nature of the Baku circuit means that even the title‑contending drivers must stay vigilant; a single error can erase a substantial points haul, as Oscar Piastri discovered when a mistake on the wall‑lined track cost him dearly at last year’s event. In summary, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix’s Saturday scheduling is a practical response to a national holiday, while still delivering a thrilling race weekend that showcases the unique challenges of the Baku City Circuit. Fans can enjoy a full program of practice, qualifying, and race action, supported by extensive broadcast and streaming options, ensuring that the excitement of Formula 1 reaches audiences worldwide despite the unconventional timetable.