{"id":902077,"date":"2026-09-23T04:10:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T04:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/902077\/"},"modified":"2026-09-23T04:10:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T04:10:20","slug":"2026-f1-azerbaijan-grand-prix-start-time-how-to-watch-tv-times-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/902077\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix \u2013 Start time, how to watch, TV times & more"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tF1 returns to the popular Baku City Circuit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n

Formula 1 returns to one of its most unpredictable venues this weekend as the streets of Baku host the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.<\/p>\n

The 6.003km circuit remains one of the most distinctive on the calendar, combining tight sections through the Old City with heavy braking zones and one of Formula 1\u2019s longest flat-out stretches.<\/p>\n

This weekend marks the ninth running of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the 10th Formula 1 race staged in Baku, with the circuit\u2019s inaugural 2016 event held under the European Grand Prix name.<\/p>\n

The race will also take place on Saturday this year<\/a> rather than its traditional Sunday slot to avoid clashing with Azerbaijan\u2019s national Remembrance Day.<\/p>\n

Red Bull and Mercedes have largely controlled Baku since Formula 1 first arrived, winning every race at the circuit apart from 2024.<\/p>\n

That exception came courtesy of Oscar Piastri, who produced one of the standout drives of his career to claim victory for McLaren after a tense battle with Charles Leclerc.<\/p>\n

Piastri became the second Australian to win in Baku, following Daniel Ricciardo\u2019s famous triumph for Red Bull in the chaotic 2017 race.<\/p>\n

His return this weekend comes with very different circumstances.<\/p>\n

The Australian has now gone more than 12 months without a grand prix victory and will be hoping Baku can again provide the spark he needs after a difficult stretch.<\/p>\n

The venue was also the scene of one of the most damaging weekends of his 2025 title campaign, with two crashes halting his momentum at a crucial stage of the season.<\/p>\n

At the other end of the championship picture, Kimi Antonelli arrives firmly in control.<\/p>\n

Victory in Spain last time out<\/a> was the Mercedes driver\u2019s eighth of the season and stretched his advantage over teammate George Russell to 81 points, more than the equivalent of three race wins.<\/p>\n

It also took Antonelli beyond Russell\u2019s career victory tally, with the younger Mercedes driver now having won one more race this season than Russell has managed across his entire F1 career.<\/p>\n

Russell has not stood on the top step since the Austrian Grand Prix, but Baku has traditionally been one of his stronger circuits.<\/p>\n

He has finished on the podium in three of his four appearances at the venue for Mercedes, making this weekend another important opportunity to eat into Antonelli\u2019s sizeable advantage.<\/p>\n

Mercedes has also enjoyed considerable success in Azerbaijan historically, although Red Bull has been equally formidable.<\/p>\n

Only two drivers have ever won more than once in Baku, with Max Verstappen joining former teammate Sergio Perez on that list after taking victory last season.<\/p>\n

Ferrari, by contrast, is still searching for its first win at the circuit despite repeatedly showing strong qualifying pace.<\/p>\n

Charles Leclerc started from pole four consecutive times between 2021 and 2024, more than any other driver in Baku, yet failed to convert any of those starts into victory.<\/p>\n

That record underlines the unique challenge of a circuit where outright speed is only one part of the equation.<\/p>\n

Baku\u2019s mix of long straights, slow corners, heavy braking and unforgiving walls has regularly produced dramatic races, with safety cars, restarts and strategy swings often shaping the outcome.<\/p>\n

With Antonelli holding an 81-point championship lead, Russell looking to revive his title challenge, Piastri returning to the scene of one of his greatest victories and Ferrari still chasing an elusive first Baku win, Azerbaijan again has all the ingredients for another unpredictable weekend.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWhen is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?<\/p>\n

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit takes place on September 24-26 (AEST).<\/p>\n

What time does the Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?<\/p>\n

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will start at 9pm AEST on Saturday, September 26. Scroll down for more time zones.<\/p>\n

Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule<\/p>\n

Thursday, 24 September
\nSession
\nDuration
\nLocal
\nAEST
\nACST
\nAWST
\nNZST<\/p>\n

FIA Formula 2
\nPractice Session
\n45 minutes
\n10:00
\n16:00
\n15:30
\n14:00
\n18:00<\/p>\n

FORMULA 1
\nFIRST PRACTICE SESSION
\n60 minutes
\n12:30
\n18:30
\n18:00
\n16:30
\n20:30<\/p>\n

FIA Formula 2
\nQualifying Session 1
\n20 minutes
\n14:00
\n20:00
\n19:30
\n18:00
\n22:00<\/p>\n

FIA Formula 2
\nQualifying Session 2
\n20 minutes
\n14:30
\n20:30
\n20:00
\n18:30
\n22:30<\/p>\n

FORMULA 1
\nSECOND PRACTICE SESSION
\n60 minutes
\n16:00
\n22:00
\n21:30
\n20:00
\n0:00<\/p>\n

Friday, 25 September<\/p>\n

FIA Formula 2
\nSprint Race (21 Laps or 45 Mins +1 Lap)
\n45 minutes
\n8:15
\n14:15
\n13:45
\n12:15
\n16:15<\/p>\n

FORMULA 1
\nTHIRD PRACTICE SESSION
\n60 minutes
\n12:30
\n18:30
\n18:00
\n16:30
\n20:30<\/p>\n

FIA Formula 2
\nFeature Race 1 (29 Laps or 60 Mins +1 Lap)
\n60 minutes
\n14:15
\n20:15
\n19:45
\n18:15
\n22:15<\/p>\n

FORMULA 1
\nQUALIFYING SESSION
\n60 minutes
\n16:00
\n22:00
\n21:30
\n20:00
\n0:00<\/p>\n

Saturday, 26 September<\/p>\n

FIA Formula 2
\nFeature Race 2 (29 Laps or 60 Mins +1 Lap)
\n60 minutes
\n11:00
\n17:00
\n16:30
\n15:00
\n19:00<\/p>\n

FORMULA 1
\nGRAND PRIX (51 LAPS OR 120 MINS)
\n60 minutes
\n15:00
\n21:00
\n20:30
\n19:00
\n23:00<\/p>\n

What is the weather for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?<\/p>\n

A mostly dry but breezy race weekend is expected in Baku, with temperatures forecast to reach around 29 degrees Celsius on Thursday before easing to about 24 degrees on Friday and 26 degrees on Saturday, with sunshine or partial cloud and little to no chance of rain across the three days.<\/p>\n

How to watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Australia<\/p>\n

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be live on Fox Sports 506. There is no live free-to-air coverage or post-race free-to-air highlights of the event in Australia.<\/p>\n

Can I live stream the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Australia?<\/p>\n

The Spanish Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Foxtel\u2019s subscription streaming services Foxtel Go and Kayo Sports.<\/p>\n

How to watch F1 TV commentary feed<\/p>\n

The alternative F1 TV commentary feed is available to Foxtel customers with a set top box. Kayo Sports subscribers can only watch the F1 TV feed during Sunday\u2019s Grand Prix.<\/p>\n

Azerbaijan Grand Prix Fox Sports broadcast times (AEST)<\/p>\n

Thursday, September 24<\/p>\n

Practice 1: 6:00pm-7:55pm AEST
Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go<\/p>\n

Practice 2: 9:30pm-11:15pm AEST
Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go<\/p>\n

Friday, September 25<\/p>\n

Practice 3: 6:15pm-8:15pm AEST
Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go<\/p>\n

Qualifying: 9:00pm-11:05pm AEST
Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go<\/p>\n

Saturday, September 26<\/p>\n

Build-up: 7:30pm-8:55pm AEST
Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go<\/p>\n

Race: 8:55pm-11:00pm AEST
Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go<\/p>\n

How to watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in New Zealand<\/p>\n

Sky Sport will broadcast the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Sky Sport 2 carrying the action on Thurday, Sky Sport 3 on Friday and Sky Sport 1 on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Can I live stream the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in New Zealand?<\/p>\n

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sport\u2019s subscription streaming service Sky Go or Sky Sport Now.<\/p>\n

Azerbaijan Grand Prix Sky Sports broadcast times (NZST)<\/p>\n

Thursday, September 24<\/p>\n

Practice 1: 8:00pm-9:55pm NZST
Sky Sport 2, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo<\/p>\n

Practice 2: 11:30pm-1:15am NZST
Sky Sport 2, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo<\/p>\n

Friday, September 25<\/p>\n

Practice 3: 8:15pm-10:10am NZST
Sky Sport 3, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo<\/p>\n

Qualifying: 11:30pm-2:00am NZST
Sky Sport 3, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo<\/p>\n

Saturday, September 26<\/p>\n

Build-up: 9:30pm-10:55pm NZST
Sky Sport 1, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo<\/p>\n

Race: 10:55pm-1:00am NZST
Sky Sport 1, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo<\/p>\n

Formula 1 Drivers\u2019 Championship (After Spanish GP)<\/p>\n

Pos
\nNum
\nDriver
\nTeam
\nWins
\nPoles
\nPoints
\nDiff
\nGap<\/p>\n

1
\n12
\nKimi Antonelli
\nMercedes
\n8
\n6
\n292<\/p>\n

2
\n63
\nGeorge Russell
\nMercedes
\n2
\n4
\n211
\n81
\n81<\/p>\n

3
\n44
\nLewis Hamilton
\nFerrari
\n1
\n0
\n191
\n101
\n20<\/p>\n

4
\n1
\nLando Norris
\nMcLaren
\n2
\n3
\n186
\n106
\n5<\/p>\n

5
\n16
\nCharles Leclerc
\nFerrari
\n1
\n0
\n167
\n125
\n19<\/p>\n

6
\n3
\nMax Verstappen
\nRed Bull
\n0
\n0
\n145
\n147
\n22<\/p>\n

7
\n81
\nOscar Piastri
\nMcLaren
\n0
\n0
\n120
\n172
\n25<\/p>\n

8
\n6
\nIsack Hadjar
\nRed Bull
\n0
\n0
\n71
\n221
\n49<\/p>\n

9
\n30
\nLiam Lawson
\nRacing Bulls\/Red Bull
\n0
\n0
\n59
\n233
\n12<\/p>\n

10
\n10
\nPierre Gasly
\nAlpine
\n0
\n1
\n41
\n251
\n18<\/p>\n

11
\n6
\nArvid Lindblad
\nRacing Bulls
\n0
\n0
\n31
\n261
\n10<\/p>\n

12
\n43
\nFranco Colapinto
\nAlpine
\n0
\n0
\n27
\n265
\n4<\/p>\n

13
\n87
\nOliver Bearman
\nHaas
\n0
\n0
\n18
\n274
\n9<\/p>\n

14
\n5
\nGabriel Bortoleto
\nAudi
\n0
\n0
\n10
\n282
\n8<\/p>\n

15
\n27
\nNico Hulkenberg
\nAudi
\n0
\n0
\n7
\n285
\n3<\/p>\n

16
\n55
\nCarlos Sainz
\nWilliams
\n0
\n0
\n6
\n286
\n1<\/p>\n

17
\n23
\nAlexander Albon
\nWilliams
\n0
\n0
\n5
\n287
\n1<\/p>\n

18
\n31
\nEsteban Ocon
\nHaas
\n0
\n0
\n3
\n289
\n2<\/p>\n

18
\n14
\nFernando Alonso
\nAston Martin
\n0
\n0
\n3
\n289
\n0<\/p>\n

20
\n22
\nYuki Tsunoda
\nRacing Bulls
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n291
\n2<\/p>\n

21
\n18
\nLance Stroll
\nAston Martin
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n291
\n1<\/p>\n

21
\n77
\nValtteri Bottas
\nCadillac
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n292
\n0<\/p>\n

21
\n11
\nSergio Perez
\nCadillac
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n292
\n0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"F1 returns to the popular Baku City Circuit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Image: XPB Images Formula 1…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":902078,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[573],"tags":[64,63,98125,817,813,816,85],"class_list":["post-902077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-formula-1","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-azerbaijan-gp","tag-f1","tag-formula-1","tag-formula1","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/902077","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=902077"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/902077\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/902078"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=902077"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=902077"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=902077"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}