Max Verstappen on track at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

How to watch the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Formula 1's most unpredictable circuit returns as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix comes to the Baku City Circuit from 24-26 September, with track action starting a day earlier than usual on Thursday.

UK fans watching from home have several ways to follow every session of the weekend.

Here's everything you need to know about watching the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on UK TV, including the full session schedule.

 

Where to watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026

There are two ways for UK viewers to watch every session live from Baku.

 

Sky Sports F1

Sky Sports F1 has live coverage of the entire Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, from Thursday's opening practice through to race day on Saturday.

Adding Sky Sports to a Sky TV package brings live access to every session, plus in-depth build-up, analysis and interviews throughout the weekend.

 

NOW

NOW is the option for viewers without a Sky subscription, carrying the same live coverage of every session in Baku.
A Sports membership includes all Sky Sports channels, while a day pass is a cost-effective choice for anyone only tuning in for this one race weekend.

 

Is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Channel 4?

Channel 4's free-to-air F1 deal only covers the British Grand Prix live; every other round on the calendar, Baku included, is highlights-only on the channel.

Highlights of Qualifying and the race will be shown on Channel 4 and its streaming service after the chequered flag, so fans without Sky or NOW can catch up later the same day.

UK viewers should also be aware that F1 TV Pro doesn't carry live races here. Sky's exclusive deal blocks live streaming of the sport in the UK, though the platform can still be used to rewatch sessions afterwards.

 

What time is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

The Baku weekend gets underway on Thursday rather than Friday. The race itself takes place on Saturday, 26 September, with lights out at 12:00 UK time (15:00 local time in Baku). Here's the full schedule below.

Date
UK Time
Local Time (Baku)
Session

Thursday, 24 September

09:30

12:30

Free Practice 1

Thursday, 24 September

13:00

16:00

Free Practice 2

Friday, 25 September

09:30

12:30

Free Practice 3

Friday, 25 September

13:00

16:00

Qualifying

Saturday, 26 September

12:00

15:00

Azerbaijan Grand prix

All UK times are BST; local time in Baku (AZT) is three hours ahead.

 

Frequently asked questions

Is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix live on Channel 4?

No. Channel 4 only shows the British Grand Prix live each season. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, like every other round, gets free highlights instead.

 

What channel is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on?

Sky Sports F1 shows every session live, with NOW offering the same coverage without a Sky contract. Channel 4 airs highlights after the action from Baku.

 

When is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix runs Thursday, 24 September to Saturday, 26 September – a day earlier than the usual race-weekend schedule – with the race starting at 12:00 UK time on Saturday.

 

Is F1 TV Pro available in the UK?

No. Sky's exclusive UK broadcast rights mean F1 TV Pro can't show races live here, though it remains usable for highlights and replays.

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