The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix returns to the Baku City Circuit from 24 to 26 September 2026 for round 18 of the World Championship. In a first for the event’s history, the Grand Prix itself will be held on Saturday 26 September rather than Sunday, moved to avoid a clash with Azerbaijan’s national day of mourning. The spectacular street circuit through the heart of Baku has established itself as one of the most dramatic and unpredictable venues on the calendar since its debut in 2016.
What to Expect
The Baku City Circuit is a 6.003-kilometre anti-clockwise street circuit featuring 20 turns and some of the most dramatic contrasts of any track in Formula 1. A 2.2-kilometre blast along the Baku seafront produces top speeds rivalling Monza, while the narrow section through the medieval Old City, where the track narrows to just 7.6 metres, demands pinpoint precision. This combination of high-speed straights and tight, technical corners has produced some of the most memorable races of the modern era, with safety cars and late-race drama a regular feature.
Under 2026’s new regulations, with active aerodynamics allowing drivers to reduce drag on straights, the long seafront section could see even higher speeds than before. George Russell and Mercedes, Max Verstappen with Red Bull-Ford, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, and McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are the leading championship contenders. Verstappen and Sergio Perez are the only drivers to have won twice in Baku, while Red Bull has taken five of the eight races held at the venue.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 carries live coverage of all sessions. In the United States, Apple TV holds exclusive broadcast rights for 2026, with F1 TV access included. F1 TV Pro is available in most other territories. Note the unusual Saturday race day: the Grand Prix is scheduled for Saturday 26 September, with a local start time expected around 15:00 AZT (12:00 BST, 07:00 ET).
Venue and Tickets
The Baku City Circuit winds through the centre of Azerbaijan’s capital, passing the medieval Old City walls (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Government House, and the Caspian Sea waterfront. The 2025 race drew 90,000 spectators across the weekend. Tickets are available through the official Baku City Circuit website (bakucitycircuit.com) and the Formula 1 ticket store, with options ranging from general admission roaming tickets to grandstand seating and VIP hospitality packages. Early booking is strongly recommended as popular areas sell out well in advance.
History of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Formula 1 first raced in Baku at the 2016 European Grand Prix, won by Nico Rosberg. The event was rebranded as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 2017, when Daniel Ricciardo took a memorable victory. Since then, the race has produced consistently thrilling action: Lewis Hamilton won in 2018, Valtteri Bottas in 2019, and Sergio Perez in both 2021 and 2023. Max Verstappen won in 2022 and again in 2025. The race lap record of 1:43.009 was set by Charles Leclerc in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
The race weekend runs from Thursday 24 September to Saturday 26 September 2026. Unusually, the Grand Prix takes place on Saturday rather than Sunday.
Why is the race on a Saturday?
The race was moved from Sunday 27 September to Saturday 26 September to avoid clashing with Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day.
Where is the Baku City Circuit?
The street circuit runs through the centre of Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, passing through the Old City and along the Caspian Sea waterfront.
Who won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last year?
Max Verstappen won the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix for Red Bull.