Russell on Pole! Azerbaijan GP Shifts to Saturday for Epic Showdown
Russell on Pole! Azerbaijan GP Shifts to Saturday for Epic Showdown
George Russell seizes pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Kimi Antonelli's dramatic crash! Don't miss the action on Saturday as F1 hits Baku. Find out when & how to watch!
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set for an electrifying showdown in Baku today, with Mercedes driver George Russell starting from pole position. This unexpected turn of events comes after his championship rival, Kimi Antonelli, made a rare error during Friday's qualifying, crashing out and leaving him a surprising 16th on the grid.
Russell, clearly taking advantage of Antonelli's uncharacteristic mistake, dominated the qualifying session to secure the top spot. He'll be joined on the front row by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, with Oscar Piastri of McLaren lining up in third. This is a golden opportunity for Russell to significantly reduce Antonelli's commanding 81-point lead in the F1 Drivers' Standings, especially with only nine races left in the season.
Fans might notice something different about this race: it's taking place on a Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Baku City Circuit.
The race is scheduled to begin at 12 pm BST, which is 3 pm local time in Baku.
The shift from the usual Sunday slot is due to Remembrance Day in Azerbaijan, which falls on Sunday, September 27.
The weather forecast for Baku promises a perfect race day. Expect warm and sunny conditions with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius and only a moderate breeze.
There's no chance of rain, ensuring a clear and exciting race on the western shores of the Caspian Sea.
UK viewers can catch all the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage starting at 11 am BST and the race itself from 12 pm. Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the event via the Sky Go app. With the championship stakes high and Russell in a prime position, this Azerbaijan Grand Prix is shaping up to be an unmissable event.
