News Summary
- The 2026 Azerbaijan GP weekend is expected to remain completely dry, with a 0% chance of rain across all three days.
- Wind gusts could reach 64.8km/h during qualifying on Friday, affecting car balance around Baku’s exposed street circuit.
- Conditions should improve for Saturday’s race, although northerly gusts of up to 43.2km/h remain possible.
Formula 1 is preparing for a dry Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, but Friday’s strong winds could create difficult and unpredictable conditions during qualifying in Baku.
The latest official forecast places the maximum qualifying-day gust at 64.8km/h. That is lower than earlier projections approaching 80km/h, but still powerful enough to destabilise the cars under braking and through Baku’s exposed high-speed sections.
Rain is not expected during practice, qualifying or the race. Air temperatures will remain between 20°C and 28°C, with the warmest conditions forecast for Thursday’s opening practice sessions.
The wind will change considerably across the weekend. Thursday begins warm with gusts reaching 57.6km/h, before the strongest conditions arrive during Friday afternoon. Saturday should be calmer, although race-day gusts may still reach 43.2km/h.
Azerbaijan GP weather forecast
| Day | Sessions | Conditions | Air temperature | Maximum gusts | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, September 24 | FP1 and FP2 | Warm and mostly sunny | 22–28°C | 57.6km/h | 0% |
| Friday, September 25 | FP3 and qualifying | Clear, cooler and very windy | 20–24°C | 64.8km/h | 0% |
| Saturday, September 26 | Race | Mostly sunny with northerly wind | 20–26°C | 43.2km/h | 0% |
Forecasts can change rapidly around the Caspian Sea and should be reviewed before every session.
Why will the wind affect qualifying?
Baku combines a 2.2km full-throttle section with slow corners, heavy braking zones and narrow streets surrounded by barriers. Teams already face a difficult compromise between low drag on the main straight and sufficient downforce through the technical middle sector.
Strong gusts make that balance less predictable. A sudden headwind can increase downforce while reducing straight-line speed, while a tailwind lowers aerodynamic grip and increases the distance required to slow the car.
Crosswinds are particularly dangerous during corner entry because they can move the aerodynamic balance between the front and rear axles without warning. Drivers may begin a corner with the expected level of grip before a gust pushes the car towards the outside wall.
Baku’s buildings can offer temporary protection before cars suddenly emerge into exposed sections. The direction and intensity of the wind can therefore change within a single lap rather than remaining consistent across the circuit.
The previous forecast placed qualifying gusts close to 80km/h, but the latest outlook has reduced that peak to approximately 65km/h.
Track temperature will also change
Thursday is expected to produce the highest track temperature of the weekend at approximately 49°C. That should help teams generate tyre temperature, although the combination of warm asphalt and strong wind could complicate comparisons between consecutive runs.
Friday’s projected track temperature falls to around 41°C. Combined with the lower air temperature and stronger gusts, that change could alter tyre preparation before qualifying laps.
Saturday’s surface temperature should rise slightly to approximately 43°C. Rain is not expected, making slick tyres almost certain unless the forecast changes before the race.
The long run towards Turn 1 also allows the tyres and brakes to cool. Drivers must then complete one of the circuit’s heaviest braking events while managing gusts and potential changes in wind direction.
Azerbaijan GP weekend schedule
| Session | UK time | ET | Baku time |
|---|---|---|---|
| FP1 — Thursday | 09:30 | 04:30 | 12:30 |
| FP2 — Thursday | 13:00 | 08:00 | 16:00 |
| FP3 — Friday | 09:30 | 04:30 | 12:30 |
| Qualifying — Friday | 13:00 | 08:00 | 16:00 |
| Race — Saturday | 12:00 | 07:00 | 15:00 |
The entire event has been moved forward by one day because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. A complete international timetable and broadcast guide is available in the Azerbaijan GP schedule.
The 51-lap race begins at 12:00 UK and 07:00 ET on Saturday. Formula 1 track activity starts with FP1 on Thursday at 09:30 UK.
F1 today: FAQ
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan GP start?
The race starts on Saturday, September 26, at 12:00 UK time. It begins at 07:00 ET and 04:00 PT in the US, 16:30 in India and 21:00 AEST in eastern Australia.
Who starts on pole for the Azerbaijan GP?
George Russell starts from pole for Mercedes, ahead of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. Isack Hadjar qualified fourth, followed by Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.
Why is the Azerbaijan GP being held on Saturday?
The race was moved to Saturday because Sunday, September 27, is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day, a national day of mourning. The entire F1 weekend was brought forward by one day.
Will it rain during the 2026 Azerbaijan GP?
The current forecast gives a 0% chance of rain during practice, qualifying and the race.
