F1 Announces Azerbaijan GP Date Change for 2026
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Formula One has accepted a request made by the promoters of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and government stakeholders to shift the dates of the 2026 race weekend in Baku.
The Grand Prix was originally scheduled for Sunday, 27 September 2026, according to the recently released 2026 F1 calendar. However, to accommodate a national day of mourning, F1 and FIA have shifted the Azerbaijan GP to Saturday, 26 September.
This means all the other events prior to race day, including qualifying, practice sessions, and media day, will take place one day earlier than usual. All F1 teams have been notified of the change.
Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September...
Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 15, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. More2026 marks F1's entry into a new era of regulations, where cars will not only be smaller and lighter but will also be powered by electric power and internal combustion in equal measure.
In addition, the year also marks the beginning of a historic F1 journey for the sport's eleventh team, Cadillac F1, while the Sauber F1 team will be present on the grid as an Audi works team following a takeover by the German automaker.
In terms of Grand Prix destinations, a big change is the introduction of Madrid as a second Grand Prix destination in Spain, which replaces Imola. Announcing the 2026 F1 calendar, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said:
"2026 will be a new era for Formula 1 where we will witness a brand-new set of regulations for our sport, the cars and the engines that will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel.
"We are excited to welcome Madrid to the calendar, and to see huge automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac and Ford join the Formula 1 grid.
"It promises to be an unforgettable season, where once again we will come together at 24 amazing global venues to watch the best drivers in the world push themselves to the limit and produce incredible wheel to wheel racing for our millions of fans watching around the globe.
"I want to thank all our fans for their passionate support and the FIA, with all the volunteers, marshals and officials, as well as the promoters, partners, sponsors, host cities and the local motor racing federations for their commitment and support in delivering this schedule in what I know will be another historic year for Formula 1."
The 2026 F1 Schedule
6–8 March – Australia – Melbourne
13–15 March – China – Shanghai
27–29 March – Japan – Suzuka
10–12 April – Bahrain – Sakhir
17–19 April – Saudi Arabia – Jeddah
1–3 May – USA – Miami
22–24 May – Canada – Montreal
5–7 June – Monaco – Monaco
12–14 June – Spain – Barcelona
26–28 June – Austria – Spielberg
3–5 July – United Kingdom – Silverstone
17–19 July – Belgium – Spa
24–26 July – Hungary – Budapest
21–23 August – Netherlands – Zandvoort
4–6 September – Italy – Monza
11–13 September – Spain – Madrid
24–26 September – Azerbaijan – Baku
9–11 October – Singapore – Singapore
23–25 October – USA – Austin
30 October – 1 November – Mexico – Mexico City
6–8 November – Brazil – São Paulo
19–21 November – USA – Las Vegas
27–29 November – Qatar – Lusail
4–6 December – Abu Dhabi – Yas Marina
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