Formula 1 announced changes to the 2026 calendar, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku moved from Sunday, September 27, to Saturday, September 26, to avoid clashing with the country’s Remembrance Day. The adjustment, requested by the local promoter and Azerbaijani authorities, reshapes the race weekend schedule while keeping the 17th round between the Spanish and Singapore GPs. Additionally, the series confirmed pre-season test dates for January and February in Bahrain and Barcelona, preparing teams for the new technical regulations. The change reflects F1’s detailed planning to accommodate local traditions and debut innovations, such as the Cadillac team’s entry.
The Azerbaijan GP adjustment was formalized after discussions between F1, the FIA, and the local government, which prioritized aligning with the mourning holiday for the 2020 44-day Patriotic War. The race, held on Baku’s street circuit since 2016, retains its spot in the 24-race calendar. The pre-season tests mark the start of a new era, with chassis and power units adapted to the 2026 rules. Teams will have five days of private testing in Barcelona and two official sessions in Bahrain before the season opener in Australia.
- Key calendar changes: Azerbaijan GP moved to Saturday.
- Pre-season tests: three events, including a private one in Barcelona.
- New regulations: 2026 brings technical innovations and Cadillac’s F1 debut.
The announcement underscores Formula 1’s commitment to logistical flexibility and respect for host countries’ cultural nuances while setting the stage for a historic season.
Baku change respects local tradition
The decision to move the Azerbaijan GP to Saturday was driven by Remembrance Day, which honors victims of the 2020 war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The holiday, marked by official ceremonies and national mourning, made a Sunday race unfeasible. The FIA and F1, in agreement with the event promoter, adjusted the schedule to ensure the sporting event does not interfere with commemorations.
The new Baku weekend format reorganizes Formula 1’s standard activities. On Wednesday, September 23, drivers attend media day with interviews and promotional commitments. Thursday hosts the first two free practice sessions, while Friday covers the third practice and qualifying. The race, on Saturday, retains its usual 3 p.m. local time, per the official statement.
The change does not affect team logistics, as the Azerbaijan GP is a standalone event with no races in the weeks immediately before or after. Baku’s circuit, known for its long straights and challenging corners, remains a season highlight, with a layout that encourages overtaking.
Baku GP adjusted schedule
The 2026 Azerbaijan GP weekend will follow a condensed structure without compromising standard Formula 1 activities. The date change required planning adjustments while preserving the event’s essence. The 6.003-km street circuit demands precision from drivers, especially in the castle section, where the track narrows significantly.
- Wednesday, September 23: media day with press conferences.
- Thursday, September 24: free practice sessions 1 and 2 for car setup.
- Friday, September 25: free practice 3 and qualifying session.
- Saturday, September 26: race with 51 laps on Baku’s circuit.
This reconfiguration maintains the weekend’s dynamics, allowing teams and drivers to adapt to an intense four-day schedule. Choosing Saturday also avoids conflicts with local programming, ensuring fan attendance and event visibility.
2026 pre-season testing
Beyond the Baku change, Formula 1 confirmed the pre-season testing schedule, critical for teams to fine-tune cars for the 2026 technical regulations. The sessions are split into three events, with a five-day private test in Barcelona designed for initial chassis and engine evaluations.
The first event runs from January 26 to 30 at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, where teams can make adjustments without timed pressure. Two official sessions follow in Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit: one from February 11 to 13 and another from February 18 to 20. These tests allow race simulations and final tweaks before the season starts.
Bahrain’s tests are strategic, as the track blends low- and high-speed corners with straights that test aerodynamic efficiency and engine power. Teams also benefit from the Gulf’s stable weather for consistent data, unlike Barcelona’s variable winter conditions.
New rules and Cadillac’s arrival
The 2026 season introduces a new technical regulation, promising lighter cars with active aerodynamics and hybrid engines optimized for sustainable fuels. These changes aim to boost competitiveness and cut costs, attracting new teams like Cadillac F1. The American manufacturer, backed by General Motors, will debut in Australia on March 6, expanding the grid to 22 cars.
Cadillac has begun developing its power unit with experienced partners, aiming to rival giants like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull. The team’s entry is a milestone for Formula 1’s growth in the U.S. market, which already hosts three GPs (Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas).
Preparation for a demanding season
The 2026 calendar, with 24 races, keeps Formula 1 among the most grueling motorsport championships. The Azerbaijan GP, slotted between Madrid and Singapore, demands quick adaptation from teams facing distinct urban circuits. Baku’s 2.2-km main straight makes it one of the fastest tracks, while Singapore requires high downforce and physical endurance.
Teams must also manage logistics for parts and personnel in a tight schedule. The lack of consecutive races around Baku eases planning, but the shift to Singapore, with its different time zone and climate, poses a challenge. Moving Baku to Saturday is a practical solution balancing sporting and cultural interests.
Technical details of the new regulation
The 2026 regulation introduces innovations impacting car performance. Engines will rely more on electric power with efficient batteries, while the minimum car weight drops by about 30 kg. Active aerodynamics, with adjustable wings, will enhance control on straights and corners, boosting overtaking opportunities.
These changes force teams to rethink car design from scratch. During pre-season tests, engineers will focus on integrating chassis, engine, and aerodynamics, balancing setups for varied circuits. As a newcomer, Cadillac faces the challenge of matching established teams, but its automotive expertise may yield innovative solutions.
F1’s logistics and planning
Formula 1 excels at adjusting its calendar to meet promoters’ and host countries’ needs. The Azerbaijan GP change exemplifies how the series balances commercial and cultural interests. Baku, part of the calendar since 2016, has become a vibrant stop, with races marked by incidents and bold strategies.
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the street circuit blends high-speed sections with technical areas, like turn 8 near the city’s medieval walls. The 2026 race will be Baku’s tenth F1 event, reinforcing its role in local tourism and economy. Holding the race on Saturday also benefits fans, who can attend Sunday’s holiday ceremonies.
Global season schedule
The 2026 calendar starts in Australia on March 6 and ends in Abu Dhabi on December 6. The 24 races include classics like Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps and urban tracks like Jeddah and Miami. As the 17th round, the Azerbaijan GP falls in the season’s final third, often pivotal for championship battles.
Formula 1 also aims to cut its carbon footprint in 2026 with measures like 100% sustainable fuels and optimized travel. The Baku change, though minor, reflects the series’ effort to align the sport with local values while maintaining competitiveness and spectacle.