News Summary
- The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK time on Saturday, September 26
- The race begins at 07:00 ET in the United States, 16:30 in India and 21:00 in eastern Australia
- George Russell starts from pole, while Kimi Antonelli lines up 16th after his qualifying crash
The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place on Saturday, September 26, rather than Formula 1’s traditional Sunday slot.
The race at the Baku City Circuit begins at 15:00 local time, corresponding to 12:00 in the United Kingdom, 07:00 Eastern Time in the United States and 16:30 in India. Formula 1’s official schedule lists the start at 11:00 UTC.
George Russell starts from pole after beating Charles Leclerc by 0.837s in qualifying. Oscar Piastri occupies third, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli faces a recovery drive from 16th after crashing at Turn 1 during Q1.
What time does the Azerbaijan GP start?
| Country/region | City/time zone | Azerbaijan GP start |
|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | Baku | 15:00 AZT |
| United Kingdom | London | 12:00 BST |
| Ireland | Dublin | 12:00 IST |
| United States | Eastern Time | 07:00 ET |
| United States | Central Time | 06:00 CT |
| United States | Mountain Time | 05:00 MT |
| United States | Pacific Time | 04:00 PT |
| Canada | Toronto | 07:00 ET |
| Canada | Vancouver | 04:00 PT |
| India | New Delhi | 16:30 IST |
| South Africa | Johannesburg | 13:00 SAST |
| Australia | Sydney/Melbourne | 21:00 AEST |
| Australia | Brisbane | 21:00 AEST |
| Australia | Adelaide | 20:30 ACST |
| Australia | Perth | 19:00 AWST |
| New Zealand | Auckland | 23:00 NZST |
All times are for Saturday, September 26. Viewers in Australia and New Zealand will not need to remain awake into Sunday morning, with the race finishing during the late evening.
Why is the Azerbaijan GP on Saturday?
The race was brought forward at the request of the Azerbaijan promoter and government authorities because Sunday, September 27, is the country’s Remembrance Day.
The national observance commemorates those killed during the 2020 conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Formula 1 consequently shifted the entire programme forward by one day, with practice beginning on Thursday, qualifying taking place on Friday and the Grand Prix being held on Saturday.
Baku is one of two Saturday races on the 2026 calendar, alongside the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
How to watch the Azerbaijan GP
| Country/region | Broadcaster/streaming service |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports F1 |
| United States | Apple TV |
| Canada | TSN / RDS |
| India | FanCode |
| Australia | Fox Sports / Kayo Sports |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport |
Availability of F1 TV varies by territory. United States coverage is carried exclusively by Apple TV under the five-year agreement that began in 2026.
A complete breakdown of the weekend is available in the Azerbaijan GP schedule and viewing guide.
Who starts at the front in Baku?
Russell occupies pole alongside Leclerc, with Piastri and Isack Hadjar sharing the second row. Lando Norris starts fifth ahead of Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly and Max Verstappen.
Carlos Sainz originally qualified ninth but dropped five positions for a yellow-flag infringement. Sergio Pérez received a three-place penalty, while Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso start at the back after accumulating power-unit penalties.
Antonelli’s crash left the championship leader in 16th, immediately ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg.
The Azerbaijan GP covers 51 laps and 306.049km around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.
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.
