Azerbaijan GP schedule: why race is a day earlier

After a weekend with no racing, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is next on the calendar, with the race taking place at the Baku street circuit. Unlike the other weekends this year, the race will be held on Saturday rather than Sunday, with the entire weekend moved forward by a day.

The race was originally scheduled for Sunday but was moved forward by a day to avoid clashing with Azeri Remembrance Day, which will take place on September 27.

It is not the first time this has happened. Back in 2024, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were also held on Saturdays because of Ramadan.

As a result, Formula 1 fans have to keep in mind that everything will happen a day earlier than usual. The first two free practice sessions will take place on Thursday. On Friday, the day will begin with FP3 before continuing with Qualifying. Then, Saturday's Grand Prix will start at 12:00 GMT. See the complete schedule below!

Moreover, the feeder series announced earlier this week that a second feature race will also take place in Azerbaijan.

F2 Bruno Michel said: "As Formula 2 is the only Support Event at the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix, together with the promoters, we have opted for a supersized F2 race weekend, with one Free Practice, two Qualifying sessions, one Sprint Race and two Feature Races.

About the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs, he added: "We will then revert to our usual race weekend format for the final two rounds of the 2026 season, which will be held at Doha and Yas Marina."

In an exclusive article, however, GPblog has previously reported that instead of these rounds, F1 teams have already been told that the season finale will take place at the Imola circuit.