Formula 1 returns to Baku City Circuit for Round 15 of the 2026 season, but with a unique twist: the main race will be held on Saturday, September 26, instead of Sunday. This change is due to Azerbaijan's Day of Remembrance on September 27, which has pushed the entire weekend forward by one day.
Consequently, Free Practice 1 (FP1) will take place on Thursday, September 24 at 12:30 local time, followed by FP2 at 16:00. On Friday, September 25, FP3 is scheduled for 12:30, with qualifying at 16:00. The 51-lap race will start on Saturday at 15:00 local time.
For fans in the UK, Azerbaijan is three hours ahead of British Summer Time (BST). So, the race will be at 12:00 BST on Saturday. Qualifying will be on Friday at 13:00 BST, and FP1 on Thursday at 09:30 BST.
This unusual schedule demands extra adaptation from teams and drivers. Typically, they have more time between qualifying and the race. Now, with qualifying on Friday and the race on Saturday, the gap is less than 24 hours, making strategy and preparation even more crucial.
The Baku circuit is known as a challenging street track, with a mix of tight corners and long straights. Races here often deliver drama, such as crashes and safety cars. With the advanced schedule, fatigue and time management become additional factors.
To help fans, here is the full schedule for the 2026 Azerbaijan GP in local Baku time. Don't miss the F1 action as drivers battle for the podium in Baku.
Read Also
Full F1 Azerbaijan 2026 schedule in Baku: practice, qualifying, and the 51-lap race. Check local times and follow the action.
The 2026 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held on Saturday, September 26 in Baku because September 27 is Azerbaijan's Remembrance Day. Here's why and what it means for F1.
Guenther Steiner picks Kimi Antonelli over Max Verstappen for a four-year contract. Analysis of Antonelli's dominant 2026 F1 season.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!