– The Azerbaijan Grand Prix breaks from the usual rhythm in 2026: The race at the Baku City Circuit will take place on a Saturday (September 26), although originally a Sunday was planned (September 27).
Read more James Vowles: Shyness is Carlos Sainz’s only big weakness
But what is the reason why the Grand Prix is not held on a Sunday? A national day of remembrance in Azerbaijan. At the request of the local organizer and the responsible government authorities, Formula 1 adjusted its race date already in June 2025.
What the day of remembrance commemorates
On September 27, Azerbaijan commemorates with its national day of remembrance the fallen of the Second Karabakh War. In Azerbaijan, this conflict is called the “Patriotic War.” It began on September 27, 2020, and lasted 44 days. Azerbaijan achieved significant military territorial gains. According to then statements from the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense, 2,783 soldiers fell.
To avoid overlapping with the national day of remembrance, the Grand Prix is therefore moved forward by one day.
How the weekend in Baku will proceed
Due to the rescheduling, the entire timetable (CEST) shifts:
– Wednesday: Media day
– Thursday: 1st Free Practice (10:30), 2nd Free Practice (14:00)
– Friday: 3rd Free Practice (10:30), Qualifying (14:00)
– Saturday, September 26: Race over 51 laps, start at 13:00 CEST
So if you want to watch qualifying, you have to tune in on Friday. Sunday remains free in Formula 1 this weekend.
Saturday races in Formula 1: rare but not new
A Grand Prix on a Saturday is an exception in modern Formula 1. But it is not new.
The very first World Championship race in 1950 at Silverstone was held on a Saturday. The British Grand Prix was often held on Saturdays for decades. The South African Grand Prix in 1985 was then the last World Championship race held on a Saturday for decades. (Photo series: Changes in the Formula 1 calendar over recent years)
Read more BMW i3 Touring: First Look at the Electric Wagon of the New Class
Photo series: Changes in the Formula 1 calendar over recent years
Only Las Vegas brought Saturday back in 2023. Since then, Formula 1 has started there on late Saturday evenings (local time). In 2024, the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were also moved to Saturday. The reason then was the fasting month of Ramadan.
Baku joins this list in 2026. Unlike in Las Vegas, in Azerbaijan it is not about show effects or time zones, but about consideration for a national day of remembrance.
FAQ
When is the Formula 1 race in Baku 2026?
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 13:00 German time.
Why is the race in Baku not held on Sunday in 2026?
September 27 is a national day of remembrance in Azerbaijan for the victims of the Second Karabakh War. Organizers and government therefore asked Formula 1 to reschedule.
When is qualifying in Baku 2026?
On Friday, September 25, 2026. Free practice starts already on Thursday.
Have there been Formula 1 races on Saturdays before?
Yes. Among others, the British Grand Prix was often held on Saturdays in the past. More recently, Las Vegas since 2023 as well as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in 2024 held races on Saturdays.
Read more The big adaptation question: Why Norris Russell disagrees
