The 2026 Formula 1 season will bring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix back to the Baku City Circuit, but with a twist that has fans and teams alike scratching their heads: the race will run on a Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday slot. According to Sky Sports F1, the decision was made to avoid the hottest part of the day in Baku, where temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) in late May. By starting the event on Saturday, teams can keep the race under the cooler early‑afternoon sun, while also giving broadcasters in the UK a more convenient start time for live coverage.
Sky Sports notes that the Saturday schedule also aligns with the global F1 calendar’s push to accommodate more races in the Middle East and Asia. The move mirrors the 2024 Bahrain GP, which was shifted to a Saturday to avoid extreme heat and to allow fans in the region to watch the race during daylight hours. For the 2026 season, the Azerbaijan GP will open the calendar on 6 May, with the race itself slated for 7 May at 13:00 local time (12:00 GMT). This timing means that the event will finish before the peak afternoon temperatures, a consideration that is increasingly important as the sport expands into hotter climates.
Teams are already preparing for the unique demands of a Saturday race. The Baku City Circuit is notorious for its high-speed straights and tight, technical corners, and the altered schedule means that drivers will have an extra day to fine‑tune their cars. According to Sky Sports, the Saturday race will also give teams a chance to conduct more extensive testing on the track during the weekend, potentially leading to better performance during the actual race.
For Indian fans, the Saturday race offers a convenient viewing window. The race will start at 13:00 Baku time, which translates to 12:00 GMT and 17:30 IST. This means that viewers in India can watch the entire event from 17:30 to 20:30 IST, a window that fits comfortably into the evening after work. Fans can stream the race live on FanCode, which holds the Indian broadcast rights for the 2026 season. The platform will also provide live commentary in Hindi, making it easier for non‑English speaking fans to follow the action.
Source: Sky Sports F1
