Azerbaijan Grand Prix moves to Saturday due to national remembrance day

The 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has undergone an unprecedented schedule change, with the race moving from Sunday, September 27, to Saturday, September 26. This adjustment was requested by the Azerbaijani government and race promoters to avoid a conflict with Remembrance Day, a national day of mourning for victims of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The entire race weekend has been shifted forward by one day. Practice sessions will begin on Thursday, September 24, followed by qualifying on Friday, September 25. The Formula 2 support series will also adopt an expanded format to compensate for being the sole support event.

On the competitive front, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli enters the event with a significant championship lead. Meanwhile, Aston Martin has announced that the Baku race will mark the end of development for their AMR26 chassis as the team shifts all resources toward the 2027 car.

Logistical preparations are underway in Baku, including enhanced operations at Heydar Aliyev International Airport to manage increased passenger traffic and various road restrictions around the Baku City Circuit to accommodate the event.