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The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will bring Formula 1 racing to Baku’s fast and narrow streets this Saturday. The 51-lap race begins Sept. 26 at 6 a.m. Central Time.
Round 15 arrives with Mercedes controlling both championship races. However, Baku’s demanding layout could create opportunities throughout the field.
2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Schedule
Formula 1 is using an unusual Thursday-to-Saturday schedule in Azerbaijan. Final practice and qualifying take place Friday, while the Grand Prix follows Saturday.
The remaining sessions are scheduled for:
- Final practice: Friday, Sept. 25, at 3:30 a.m. Central
- Qualifying: Friday, Sept. 25, at 7 a.m. Central
- Grand Prix: Saturday, Sept. 26, at 6 a.m. Central
The race will cover 51 laps at the 3.73-mile Baku City Circuit. The official Formula 1 timetable lists a two-hour maximum race window.
U.S. coverage is available through Apple TV. The service carries every practice, qualifying session and race live. English and Spanish commentary options are available, according to Apple’s Formula 1 coverage announcement.
Mercedes Sets the Early Pace
George Russell led both Thursday practice sessions for Mercedes. His fastest lap in second practice was 1 minute, 43.347 seconds.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished second, 0.552 seconds behind Russell. Max Verstappen placed third for Red Bull, followed by Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli lost track time after a hydraulic problem ended his first practice early. Mercedes also changed his power unit before the second session. Despite those setbacks, the Italian driver recovered to finish behind Russell.
McLaren faced a more difficult opening day. Floor problems limited Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during first practice. The team used a temporary repair during the afternoon session.
Championship Battle Reaches Baku
Antonelli leads the drivers’ standings with 292 points. Russell ranks second with 211, while Hamilton holds third with 191.
Mercedes also leads the constructors’ championship with 503 points. Ferrari has 358, followed by McLaren with 306 and Red Bull with 230. The current totals are available through the official Formula 1 standings.
Baku can punish even small errors. The circuit combines a long main straight with tight corners near the city’s historic walls. Its narrowest section measures only 7.6 meters across.
Leclerc holds the circuit’s race lap record of 1:43.009, set in 2019. He also has a Baku-record four pole positions.
Sergio Perez Returns to a Successful Circuit
Mexican driver Sergio Perez enters the weekend with Cadillac. He finished 17th in first practice before improving to 13th in the second session.
Perez shares the circuit record for most victories with Verstappen. Both drivers have won twice in Baku, giving Perez a strong history at one of Formula 1’s most unpredictable venues.
Cadillac remains without a constructors’ point this season. A clean qualifying session could improve Perez’s chances of moving forward during Saturday’s race.
Formula 1 fans face an early start, but Baku often rewards those watching from the opening lap. Qualifying and race coverage will also be available on demand after each session.