Best Formula 1 races for first-time fans in 2026
December 14, 2025
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The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will now take place on Saturday rather than the customary Sunday, according to a significant calendar change confirmed by Formula 1. For fans organizing travel, tickets, or viewing schedules, this decision is crucial because it makes Baku one of the few races on the schedule to deviate from the typical weekend format.
This is what fans should know about the change, the reasons behind it, and how it will impact the 2026 Formula One season.
The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held at the Baku City Circuit from Thursday 24 September to Saturday 26 September 2026.
The confirmed weekend format is:
The Grand Prix itself will take place on Saturday 26 September 2026, marking a shift away from the traditional Sunday race format used at most Formula 1 events.
The change in the schedule is related to Sunday, September 27, which is Azerbaijan's national day of remembrance. The nation commemorates the lives lost during the 44-day Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on this somber day.
Formula 1, the FIA, and local organizers decided to advance the race by one day in order to honor the significance of this day. Consequently, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be finished prior to the start of the remembrance day.
This change reflects Formula 1's growing consideration of regional cultural and national events when deciding on its worldwide schedule.
Despite the unusual weekend timing, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will not feature a Sprint race in 2026.
Sprint weekends for the 2026 season are scheduled at other events, including China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Singapore. Baku will follow a more traditional race structure, with practice, qualifying, and the Grand Prix itself — just with the race held on Saturday.
For fans, this means the weekend will feel familiar in format, even if the race day does not.
The Saturday race day has several practical implications:
Fans attending the race in person may benefit from:
Those planning accommodation should also note that race-related peak demand will shift slightly earlier in the weekend.
For viewers at home, the Saturday race changes the usual viewing rhythm. Fans will need to plan around a Saturday afternoon race, rather than the typical Sunday slot.
The schedule change does not alter what makes the Azerbaijan Grand Prix unique. The Baku City Circuit remains one of Formula 1’s most dramatic street tracks, combining:
Since joining the calendar, Baku has delivered multiple memorable races, safety car periods, and surprise results — making it a popular destination for fans who enjoy high-drama street racing.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix sits in the latter part of the 2026 season, positioned between major European and Asian races. Its placement, combined with the Saturday race format, makes it a unique stop in a busy stretch of the calendar.
For fans planning multiple races in one season, this can be an opportunity to combine Baku with nearby events or enjoy a slightly different F1 weekend rhythm.
The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place on a Saturday, which is an uncommon but significant change to the Formula 1 schedule. It honors regional customs while providing spectators with a full Grand Prix weekend.
The most important lesson for those who are going in person or watching from home is straightforward: Saturday is race day. Fans won't miss one of the most thrilling street races on the Formula 1 schedule if they plan around that particular detail.
At Fastway1.com, fans can explore ticket options for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and every other race on the Formula 1 calendar, with clear overviews and trusted ticket partners.
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