Formula 1 returns to the streets of Baku this Saturday, marking another chapter in what has become one of the most unpredictable stops on the calendar. The Baku City Circuit, famed for its high‑speed sections and tight, wall‑hugging corners, will host the race as part of a three‑event overseas swing that also includes Malaysia and Singapore later in the season. This weekend’s timetable is shifted a day earlier than usual: practice sessions kick off on Thursday, qualifying is set for Friday, and the Grand Prix itself unfolds on Saturday, September 26.
The championship battle is already shaping up dramatically. Young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli sits atop the standings with an 81‑point cushion after back‑to‑back victories in Monza and Madrid.
With eight rounds still to contest after Baku, his rivals must seize every opportunity to close the gap, and the Baku circuit, with its unforgiving walls and rapid changes of direction, offers both a chance for spectacular overtakes and a high risk of costly errors. Last year’s race provided a stark reminder when then‑title contender Oscar Piastri was eliminated after a single mis‑judged maneuver on the narrow city streets.
Because Azerbaijan observes Remembrance Day on Sunday, September 27, the Grand Prix has been moved forward to Saturday, meaning the entire weekend runs a day ahead of the typical Formula 1 schedule. The local time zone is three hours ahead of the United Kingdom, so the on‑track action will start slightly earlier than most European races. Qualifying will be broadcast at 13:00 local time, while the race itself is slated for a midday start, giving fans in the UK a convenient early‑afternoon viewing slot.
Baku’s street circuit first appeared on the F1 calendar in 2016 under the banner of the European Grand Prix before adopting the country’s name from the following season onward. The 1.4‑mile (2.3‑km) main straight is the longest of the season, allowing cars to exceed 200 mph and creating a spectacular slipstream effect where three cars can line up side‑by‑side.
This high‑speed section culminates in a heavy braking zone at Turn 1, a spot that has produced dramatic incidents, most notably the 2018 collision between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. After the opening straight, the layout transitions to two shorter straights linked by classic 90‑degree street‑circuit turns. The track then weaves into the historic heart of Baku, navigating the narrowest segment of any F1 venue at just 7.6 metres between the barriers. Turn 8‑9, often referred to as the “castle” chicane, threads the cars past the UNESCO‑protected medieval quarter, demanding razor‑sharp precision from the 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 stick to their planned tyre strategies without the surprise of rain‑induced pit stops. Key timings for the weekend are as follows: - Thursday: First practice session (morning) and second practice session (afternoon). - Friday: Qualifying at 13:00 local time.
- Saturday: Grand Prix start at 12:00 local time, followed by post‑race analysis and reaction segments. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the race will be available on Sky Sports F1. Sky subscribers can tune in from the opening practice on Thursday morning through to the live race on Saturday.
The Sky Sports app also offers an interactive experience, allowing fans to select a driver’s onboard feed for a more immersive perspective. Non‑Sky customers have the option to stream the event via the NOW platform, which provides contract‑free access to all Sky Sports channels. Viewers can choose a day‑pass for a single‑event experience or a month‑pass for broader coverage, with the flexibility to cancel at any time.
NOW’s service is compatible with over 60 devices, making it easy to watch on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, or computers. For those on the move, a live blog will deliver minute‑by‑minute updates, race statistics, and expert commentary throughout the weekend.
Highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the chequered flag, allowing fans to catch up on any missed action. Additional resources include a Sky ID guide for new users, information on NOW membership pricing, and links to sign‑up pages. The platform also offers a free trial period for new subscribers, enabling them to test the service before committing. In summary, the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises a blend of blistering speed, historic scenery, and high‑stakes championship drama.
With the race shifted to Saturday, fans have an early‑afternoon slot to enjoy the spectacle, whether through traditional TV, the Sky Sports app, or the flexible NOW streaming service. The combination of a fast‑paced circuit, warm weather, and a tightly contested title race ensures that Baku will once again deliver one of the most exciting weekends on the Formula 1 calendar.