F1 makes rare Azerbaijan GP schedule change for a very important reason

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will break with Formula 1 tradition this weekend as the race takes place on a Saturday rather than the usual Sunday.

After a week off following the Spanish Grand Prix, F1 returns for the 15th race of the season as Kimi Antonelli looks to further extend his current 81-point lead over fellow Mercedes driver George Russell, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton makes up the top three on 191 points.

But fans will have to alter their usual weekend plans for the action in Baku, with practice starting a day earlier than normal before the Grand Prix takes place on Saturday (September 26) for an important reason.

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Why is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on a Saturday?

For the first time in 2026, a Grand Prix will take place on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday that F1 fans are accustomed to.

Free Practice 1 and 2 begin on Thursday (September 24), with FP3 and qualifying getting under way on Friday (September 25), before the showpiece takes place on Saturday (September 26).

The race has been moved forward because of Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day, which is held on September 27.

The day was first observed in December 2020 and commemorates the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War – informally known as the 44-day War – during which Azerbaijan declared victory over Armenian and Artsakh forces in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Almost 3,000 Azerbaijani military personnel were killed during the conflict.

Ahead of this year’s race, stakeholders asked for the date to be brought forward before F1 agreed to do so “following a request from the Azerbaijan promoter and relevant government stakeholders”.

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What drivers can expect from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Much like the Madring, the Azerbaijan circuit winds through the streets of the capital city, Baku, on the banks of the Caspian Sea.

Drivers will have to contend with the challenging and narrow turns, with Turns 8 to 10 proving particularly difficult and leaving little room for error.

Fast approaches and heavy braking zones will also be present, while close barriers further reduce the already small margin for error come race day.

Overall, the circuit comprises 20 corners and a 2.2km run along the seafront, with the slipstream encouraging overtaking opportunities from the very first turn. Drivers will be required to negotiate 51 laps.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen explained the difficulties drivers faced at the 2025 edition of the Azerbaijan race.

“This is a tough track to be consistent at, with the challenging layout and also very hard winds so you have to keep reminding yourself to keep out of the walls!” he said.

Meanwhile, in 2024, Leclerc described the track as one of the best.

“This is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar; I really enjoy it,” he said.

Oscar Piastri even claimed that “the track really rewards bravery and commitment” after last year’s race.

2026 Drivers’ Standings before Azerbaijan GP

1. Kimi Antonelli – 292 points

2. George Russell – 211 points

3. Lewis Hamilton – 191 points

4. Lando Norris – 186 points

5. Charles Leclerc – 167 points

6. Max Verstappen – 145 points

7. Oscar Piastri – 120 points

8. Isack Hadjar – 71 points

9. Liam Lawson – 59 points

10. Pierre Gasly – 41 points

11. Arvid Lindblad – 31 points

12. Franco Colapinto – 27 points

13. Oliver Bearman – 18 points

14. Gabriel Bortoleto – 10 points

15. Nico Hulkenberg – 7 points

16. Carlos Sainz – 6 points

17. Alexander Albon – 5 points

18. Esteban Ocon – 3 points

19. Fernando Alonso – 3 points

20. Yuki Tsunoda – 1 point

21. Lance Stroll – 0 points

22. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points

23. Sergio Perez – 0 points