The 2026 Formula 1 calendar brings the sport back to the Baku City Circuit for what is typically one of the most unpredictable and action‑filled rounds of the year. This weekend’s schedule is unusual because the race is set for Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday, a change driven by local commemorations and logistical considerations. Baku will host the first leg of a three‑race overseas swing that continues with stops in Malaysia and Singapore.
To accommodate the tight timetable, the weekend kicks off a day earlier than usual: practice sessions begin on Thursday, qualifying is held on Friday, and the Grand Prix itself takes place on Saturday, September 26. The shift also aligns with Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day, observed on Sunday, September 27, ensuring that the nation’s solemn observances do not clash with the spectacle of the race. The timing of the event is further affected by the country’s time zone, which is three hours ahead of the United Kingdom. Consequently, the on‑track action starts slightly earlier than the typical European‑season slots.
Qualifying is scheduled for 1 p.m. local time, while the race starts at 12 p.m., meaning UK viewers will see the sessions at 10 a.m.
and 9 a.m. respectively. This earlier window also helps to avoid the hottest part of the day, as weather forecasts predict warm, dry conditions with maximum temperatures in the mid‑20s Celsius throughout the week.
The Baku City Circuit has been a fixture on the F1 calendar since 2016, initially running under the banner of the European Grand Prix before adopting the country’s name from the following season. The track is renowned for its extreme speed and stark contrast between ultra‑fast sections and tight, technical corners.
Its 1.4‑mile (2.2 km) main straight is the longest on the calendar, allowing cars to exceed 200 mph and creating abundant slip‑streaming and overtaking opportunities. In fact, three‑car trains have been witnessed as drivers line up side‑by‑side, a testament to the straight’s sheer length.
After the blistering start‑line run, drivers face a series of classic street‑circuit 90‑degree turns that test braking stability before the layout dives into the historic heart of Baku. The narrowest part of the circuit measures just 7.6 metres between the barriers, a constriction that demands absolute precision. Here, the infamous Turn 8‑9 "castle" chicane snakes past the UNESCO‑protected medieval district, and any mis‑judgment can end a driver’s day in the walls.
The circuit’s reputation for drama is well earned. In 2018, a spectacular collision between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo unfolded in the Turn 1 braking zone, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change on Baku’s unforgiving surface.
Last year, then‑title‑leader Oscar Piastri learned the hard way that even a small slip can result in a costly retirement, reinforcing the notion that the wall‑lined track will punish even the slightest error. From a championship perspective, the race arrives at a pivotal moment. Kimi Antonelli currently leads the drivers’ standings by 81 points after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid.
With eight rounds remaining after Baku, his rivals must mount a serious challenge if they hope to keep their title hopes alive. The high‑speed nature of the circuit, combined with its propensity for safety‑car periods, means that a single well‑timed overtaking move or a strategic pit stop could dramatically reshape the points picture.
The weekend’s programme is packed with supporting action. Friday’s schedule includes an F2 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 at 11:10 a.m., leading into the build‑up to qualifying at 12:30 p.m. Qualifying commences at 1 p.m., after which analysts such as Ted will break down the results in a post‑qualifying notebook at 3 p.m. Saturday’s agenda continues the excitement with the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 a.m., followed by the Grand Prix start at 10:30 a.m. The race concludes around midday, after which a post‑race reaction segment and another edition of Ted’s notebook provide further insight.
All of these sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional coverage available via the Sky Sports app, the NOW streaming platform, and a dedicated live‑blog for fans on the move. For Sky subscribers, the entire weekend—from Thursday’s first practice through Saturday’s race—can be watched on Sky Sports F1. Non‑subscribers can access the action through NOW’s day‑pass or month‑pass options, which offer contract‑free streaming on more than 60 devices.
Highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the chequered flag, allowing fans to relive the most thrilling moments at their convenience. In summary, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix’s Saturday slot is a deliberate choice to respect national holidays, accommodate a compact triple‑header itinerary, and provide optimal viewing times for an international audience. The Baku City Circuit’s blend of blistering speed, narrow medieval passages, and a history of dramatic incidents ensures that the race will be a centerpiece of the 2026 season, offering both championship implications and unforgettable on‑track action.