News Summary
- The Azerbaijan GP has a 0% forecast chance of rain
- Air temperature should reach approximately 26°C, with the track potentially climbing to 43°C
- Northerly wind gusts could reach 43.2km/h, although conditions will be calmer than qualifying
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is expected to take place in warm and dry conditions, but Baku’s notoriously unpredictable wind remains a potential complication for Saturday’s Formula 1 race.
The Grand Prix begins at 15:00 local time, 12:00 in the United Kingdom, with the air temperature forecast to sit at approximately 26°C. Rain is not expected during the 51-lap race.
Formula 1’s official forecast predicts average northerly winds of 15.5km/h, with gusts potentially reaching 43.2km/h. That is considerably calmer than Friday, when gusts of approximately 65km/h complicated qualifying.
Azerbaijan GP race-day forecast
| Condition | Saturday race forecast |
|---|---|
| Race start | 15:00 local / 12:00 UK |
| Air temperature | Around 26°C |
| Maximum track temperature | Approximately 43°C |
| Rain probability | 0% |
| Average wind | 15.5km/h |
| Maximum gusts | 43.2km/h |
| Wind direction | North |
| General conditions | Mostly sunny and dry |
Hourly forecasts indicate that Baku will begin Saturday under scattered cloud before conditions become increasingly sunny. The temperature should rise from approximately 20°C during the early morning to between 26°C and 27°C around the start.
Will it rain during the Azerbaijan GP?
Rain is extremely unlikely. Formula 1’s forecast gives Saturday a 0% precipitation risk, while the UK Met Office places the probability below 5% throughout the day.
No meaningful rainfall is currently expected before or during the race. Teams should therefore be able to plan around conventional dry-weather strategies without preserving intermediate or wet tyres for an approaching weather system.
The absence of rain does not guarantee a straightforward race. Baku’s barriers, heavy braking zones and long flat-out sections regularly generate safety cars without assistance from the weather.
How could the wind affect the race?
The wind should be less severe than it was during qualifying, but gusts above 40km/h remain strong enough to change a car’s balance between one lap and the next.
A northerly wind is expected to produce a slight headwind along the extended start-finish section. That could increase the effectiveness of the slipstream while making energy deployment and top-speed differences especially important.
The most relevant effects include:
- Changing braking references: a headwind can help slow the car, while a sudden reduction in wind strength can cause a driver to arrive faster than expected.
- Greater slipstream effect: cars running behind a rival may receive a stronger tow along Baku’s 2.2km flat-out section.
- Unstable aerodynamic balance: exposed sections beside the Caspian Sea can produce sudden crosswinds.
- Tyre temperature variation: stronger wind can cool the tyre surface and make preparation after a safety car more difficult.
- Higher energy demand: drivers may need to manage electrical deployment carefully along the main straight.
Friday’s strongest gusts approached 65km/h and contributed to a difficult qualifying session in which several drivers struggled with inconsistent grip. Saturday’s forecast of 43.2km/h represents a reduction of approximately one-third.
Will the heat influence tyre strategy?
The projected 43°C maximum track temperature should provide significantly more grip than drivers experienced during cooler periods, but it may also accelerate thermal degradation.
Baku has traditionally favoured a one-stop race because of relatively low tyre wear and the time lost in the pit lane. Higher temperatures could make an extended opening stint more difficult, particularly for drivers attempting to recover through the field.
Kimi Antonelli, who starts 16th, is among those likely to consider an alternative strategy. The Mercedes driver may need to extend his first stint and wait for a safety car rather than follow the same pit window as the leaders.
At the front, George Russell starts from pole ahead of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. With little threat of rain, wind, tyre temperature and safety-car timing should be the principal strategic variables.
The full international schedule is available in the Azerbaijan GP start-time and viewing guide.
GRANDE PRÊMIO follows the Azerbaijan GP LIVE and in REAL TIME.
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 Azerbaijan GP?
Rain is not expected, with the official forecast indicating a 0% chance of precipitation during Saturday’s race.
