Formula 1 heads to Baku this week for an unusually early Azerbaijan GP weekend, with all of the on-track action shifted forward by a day.
Free practice begins on Thursday, qualifying takes place on Friday and the grand prix itself will be held on Saturday. The change was requested because Azerbaijan marks Remembrance Day on Sunday, September 27.
Kimi Antonelli arrives in Baku firmly in control of the championship after winning the last two races. The Mercedes driver holds an 81-point advantage over team-mate George Russell with Azerbaijan hosting round 15 of the 2026 season.
This year also marks 10 years since Formula 1 first raced on the streets of Baku. The circuit joined the calendar as the European Grand Prix in 2016 before becoming the Azerbaijan GP the following year, and its combination of tight street sections and a very long main straight should once again put energy deployment high on the agenda.
Thursday brings free practice 1 followed by free practice 2 later in the afternoon. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the opening day of the Azerbaijan GP.
How can I watch the F1 Azerbaijan GP?
Broadcast coverage of Formula 1 varies by region. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports continues as the championship’s exclusive broadcaster, showing every session live throughout the 2026 season. F1 coverage can also be streamed via Sky Go or NOW, with highlights available free-to-air on Channel 4.
In the United States, Apple TV is the primary broadcast partner for the 2026 season, with all sessions available on the platform following a multi-year deal. F1 TV remains the series’ global subscription streaming service.
Motorsport.com will provide live coverage and updates throughout the Azerbaijan GP weekend.
F1 Azerbaijan GP Thursday schedule
Times local to Baku:
Thursday, September 24 — free practice 1 — 12:30pm AZT
Thursday, September 24 — free practice 2 — 4:00pm AZT
For UK viewers:
Thursday, September 24 — free practice 1 — 9:30am BST
Thursday, September 24 — free practice 2 — 1:00pm BST
For US Eastern Time viewers:
Thursday, September 24 — free practice 1 — 4:30am ET
Thursday, September 24 — free practice 2 — 8:00am ET
F1 Azerbaijan GP full weekend schedule
All times local to Baku:
- Thursday, September 24 — free practice 1 — 12:30pm AZT
- Thursday, September 24 — free practice 2 — 4:00pm AZT
- Friday, September 25 — free practice 3 — 12:30pm AZT
- Friday, September 25 — qualifying — 4:00pm AZT
- Saturday, September 26 — 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix — 3:00pm AZT
Azerbaijan GP Thursday weather forecast
Thursday is expected to be mild and mostly sunny to partly cloudy in Baku, with temperatures between roughly 22C and 25C.
Rain is unlikely, which should give teams stable conditions for the opening two practice sessions. Wind could be a bigger factor, with breezes coming in from the Caspian Sea and potentially becoming more noticeable between the buildings through Baku’s narrower sections.
Friday is expected to remain dry and sunny for final practice and qualifying, although stronger winds could make conditions more difficult.
Saturday is currently forecast to be clear for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with temperatures around 24C at the start of the race.
Azerbaijan GP track facts
- Circuit: Baku City Circuit
- Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
- Event: Azerbaijan GP
- Circuit type: street circuit
- Thursday sessions: free practice 1 and free practice 2
- Friday sessions: free practice 3 and qualifying
- Race: Saturday, September 26
Baku combines narrow street sections with a long run to the start-finish line, putting a premium on confidence under braking, straightline performance and energy management.
2026 Formula 1 driver and team roster
Photos from F1 Azerbaijan GP – Wednesday
Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Wednesday
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