Formula 1 race on Saturday: Why is that?

Formula 1 races usually take place on Sundays. That's the usual way. But the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku will be held on Saturday this year (13.00 p.m.). Why?

September 24, 2026

From: dpa/det

The reason: The organizers of the event, which was added to the calendar in 2016, wanted to avoid a scheduling conflict with a national holiday on that Sunday. Therefore, the entire race schedule was simply moved forward by one day.

The first two training sessions will take place today, Thursday, with qualifying on Friday. World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli aims to take another step closer to the title on Saturday.

Saturday races have happened before. Formula 1 drivers have regularly competed for points in Las Vegas on Saturdays since 2023. And in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the 2024 season opener was also held on a Saturday due to the start of Ramadan.

Keywords Motorsport Formula 1 Baku