F1 changes Azerbaijan GP schedule for a very important reason
This weekend, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is shaking things up by happening on a Saturday instead of the usual Sunday. After a week off since the Spanish Grand Prix, Formula 1 is back for race number 15 of the season. Kimi Antonelli is leading comfortably with an 81-point gap over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton holds third place with 191 points.
Fans will need to switch up their plans since the weekend’s schedule has changed. Practice sessions start a day earlier than normal, and the big race is on Saturday, September 26. This change is because of Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day on September 27, a day honoring those lost in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, which ended with Azerbaijan’s victory. The war sadly claimed almost 3,000 Azerbaijani military lives. The race date was moved forward after a request from Azerbaijan’s promoter and government.
The Baku circuit itself is a street track winding through the city by the Caspian Sea, with tight and tricky corners, especially turns 8 to 10, and close barriers that leave little room for error. It features 20 corners and a 2.2 km stretch along the seafront, encouraging exciting overtaking opportunities over the 51 laps.
Drivers find this track tough but thrilling. Max Verstappen said it’s hard to stay consistent with tricky corners and strong winds, while Charles Leclerc calls it one of his favorite tracks. Oscar Piastri added that it really rewards bold and committed driving.
Here’s a quick look at the 2026 standings before the Azerbaijan GP: Kimi Antonelli leads with 292 points, followed by George Russell with 211 and Lewis Hamilton with 191. The competition is heating up, so it should be an exciting weekend ahead!