2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: full race schedule and global start times

Formula 1 moves to the streets of Azerbaijan this weekend for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, carrying significant momentum into the Baku City Circuit. Following a pivotal victory in Madrid, Kimi Antonelli has extended his lead at the top of the drivers' standings to 81 points. The championship battle remains a focal point, especially as polesitter Lando Norris looks to bounce back after missing out on a potential victory in the last round.

Session Schedule and Global Start Times

The intensity ramps up on Friday, September 25, with Free Practice 3 at 12:30 and Qualifying at 16:00. The main event, the Grand Prix, is scheduled to get underway on Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time.

The Challenge of the Baku City Circuit

For the tenth time, Formula 1 will visit the iconic Baku City Circuit. Known for its unique layout, the track features a demanding mixture of wide, open sections and incredibly tight, twisty stretches that loop around the city’s medieval walls and old town.

History at this venue shows that mastering these complexities is key to success. While many drivers have found glory here, only Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen have managed to secure multiple victories at this challenging street circuit.

Weather and Race Conditions

The current forecast suggests a mild and dry weekend for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, fans should remain alert to the potential for wind; due to its proximity to the Caspian Sea, the circuit often experiences gusts that have historically caught drivers off guard.

Supporting Categories: Formula 2

The weekend also features the 12th round of the Formula 2 campaign. With Nikola Tsolov leading the standings, the junior category promises high stakes. F2 Qualifying and Practice will take place on Thursday, September 24, followed by the Sprint Race on Friday at 08:15 local time. Feature Race 1 follows on Friday at 14:15, with Feature Race 2 concluding the action on Saturday, September 26 at 11:00.