The Formula 1 circus is heading back to the streets of Baku this weekend, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix scheduled for Saturday, September 26. The event marks the start of a three‑race overseas swing that will continue with stops in Malaysia and Singapore, making it the first leg of a demanding triple‑header.
Because the race coincides with the nation’s Remembrance Day on Sunday, the entire weekend has been shifted forward by a day: practice sessions kick off on Thursday, qualifying takes place on Friday, and the main race unfolds on Saturday. This unusual timetable means that fans in the United Kingdom, which is three hours behind Azerbaijan, will see qualifying at 1 p.m. local time and the Grand Prix at around 12 p.m.
local time, slightly earlier than the usual European‑season slots. Baku’s street circuit, officially known as the Baku City Circuit, first entered the F1 calendar in 2016 under the banner of the European Grand Prix before adopting the country’s name from the following year.
The layout is renowned for its extreme contrasts: a very long, high‑speed straight that stretches for 1.4 miles – the longest straight on the 2026 calendar – where cars can reach speeds in excess of 200 mph, and a series of tight, technical sections that wind through the historic heart of the city. The straight provides abundant slip‑streaming opportunities, often allowing three cars to run side‑by‑side, while the narrowest part of the track, a mere 7.6 metres between the barriers at the Turn 8‑9 "castle" chicane, tests drivers’ precision and bravery as they navigate past UNESCO‑protected medieval architecture. The circuit’s reputation for drama is well earned.
In 2018, a spectacular collision between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo occurred in the heavy braking zone of Turn 1, underscoring how quickly a mistake can turn into a race‑changing incident. The same risk‑reward balance is present in qualifying, where the fast, flowing sections reward outright speed, but the narrow, wall‑hugging corners punish any lapse in concentration.
As a result, the Baku Grand Prix frequently produces unexpected results, safety‑car periods, and a high number of on‑track incidents, making it one of the most unpredictable stops of the season. The current championship narrative adds further intrigue. Young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli sits atop the standings with an 81‑point lead 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.
Oscar Piastri, the reigning champion, learned the hard way at last year’s Baku race that the circuit’s unforgiving walls can quickly derail even the most experienced drivers. Weather forecasts for race week predict warm, dry conditions with daytime temperatures hovering in the mid‑20s Celsius. Such stable conditions typically produce consistent track temperatures, allowing teams to settle on optimal tyre strategies without the surprise of sudden rain.
However, the high ambient heat can increase tyre degradation, especially on the abrasive surface of the city streets, meaning that pit‑stop tactics will be crucial. For viewers, the weekend’s schedule is packed: - Thursday: First practice session (morning) and second practice (later in the day). - Friday: Qualifying at 1 p.m.
local time. - Saturday: The Grand Prix starts at 12 p.m. local time, followed by post‑race analysis and reactions.
- Sunday: A supporting Formula 2 Feature Race at 7:55 a.m., plus additional coverage and commentary throughout the day. Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the entire weekend on Sky Sports F1, with live streams available via the Sky Sports app for those who prefer to follow the action on mobile devices. Sky subscribers also have the option to join a live “on‑board” feed with any driver of their choice, adding an immersive perspective to the high‑speed drama. For viewers without a Sky subscription, the NOW streaming service offers flexible access: a Day pass for a single‑day experience or a Month pass that can be cancelled at any time.
NOW provides all twelve Sky Sports channels and the full suite of Sky Sports+ streams, compatible with over 60 devices, making it a convenient alternative for casual fans. In addition to live television, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 blog that offers real‑time text updates for those on the move, and highlights are posted shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app for viewers who miss the live broadcast.
Sky customers can also benefit from Sky iD support, which helps them locate or create their Sky iD credentials for seamless access across platforms. Overall, the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises a blend of blistering speed, historic scenery, and the ever‑present potential for surprise results.
Whether you are a die‑hard fan tracking the championship battle between Antonelli and his challengers, or a casual viewer attracted by the spectacle of cars racing at over 200 mph through a medieval cityscape, the Saturday race offers plenty of excitement. Be sure to tune in early, keep an eye on the live timing screens, and enjoy one of the most thrilling street circuits on the modern Formula 1 calendar.