Azerbaijan GP 2025 Dates, Schedule, Weather & How To Watch

Azerbaijan GP 2025 overview and key dates

The 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be one of the standout events of the Formula 1 calendar, returning to the challenging Baku City Circuit from September 19 to 21. This race marks the start of the crucial flyaway races to close the season, with top teams and drivers vying for vital points. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast every session live, making it easy for UK fans to catch all the action.

Baku City Circuit: A unique street race where speed meets history

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the Baku City Circuit is famed for its combination of high-speed straights and tight, technical corners. Since joining the F1 calendar in 2016, the race has offered thrilling battles and dramatic moments. Drivers reach speeds exceeding 200mph down the 1.4-mile main straight— the longest in F1 — creating superb slipstreaming and overtaking opportunities.

The track’s layout includes classic 90-degree turns and a narrow section running through Baku’s UNESCO-protected medieval district. The ‘castle’ chicane at Turns Eight and Nine is the tightest point on the entire F1 calendar at just 7.6 metres wide, demanding precision and bravery from drivers.

Memorable moments and rivalries in Baku

Baku has provided plenty of excitement over the years, from dramatic crashes to fierce team rivalries. A notable incident was the 2018 collision between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo at Turn One, which ended both their races prematurely. More recently, last year’s race ended under a Virtual Safety Car after a collision between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz, underlining the circuit’s unforgiving nature.

Race weekend schedule and UK start times

Due to Baku being three hours ahead of the UK, race sessions begin earlier compared to European events. The weekend schedule for 2025 is as follows:

• Thursday, September 18: Drivers’ press conference at 11am, followed by Paddock Uncut at 2.45pm.
• Friday, September 19: F2 Practice at 6.55am; F1 Practice One starts 9.30am UK time; F2 Qualifying at 10.55am; Team Principals’ press conference at 11.40am; F1 Practice Two at 1pm; The F1 Show at 2.15pm.
• Saturday, September 20: F1 Practice Three at 9.30am; F2 Sprint Race at 11.10am; Qualifying build-up at 12.15pm; Azerbaijan GP Qualifying at 1pm.
• Sunday, September 21: F2 Feature Race at 7.55am; Grand Prix build-up from 10.30am; Azerbaijan GP race starts at 12pm; post-race reaction and Ted’s Notebook follow.

All sessions, including F2 races, will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports F1, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the weekend.

Weather forecast for the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Historically, Baku enjoys favourable weather in September, and forecasts for this year indicate dry, sunny conditions with temperatures reaching the mid-20s Celsius. These conditions typically produce fast racing with minimal interruptions from rain, allowing teams to focus on strategy and tyre management.

How to watch or stream the Azerbaijan GP in the UK and Ireland

For UK viewers, Sky Sports F1 holds exclusive live coverage rights. Sky customers can watch every session from practice through to the race via Sky Sports F1 channel or the Sky Sports app, which offers onboard cameras and multiple viewing angles.

If you don’t have Sky, streaming is still straightforward. The NOW streaming service provides contract-free access to Sky Sports channels, including F1. You can choose a Day or Month pass, perfect for catching the Azerbaijan GP without a long-term commitment.

Additionally, a live text blog covering session highlights and race updates is available on Sportsscoop.co.uk, keeping fans informed on the move.

Watching on the go with the Sky Sports app

Sky subscribers can download the Sky Sports app on mobile devices to stream live and access exclusive content such as pre-race build-ups and post-race analysis. Signing in requires a Sky iD, which is quick and straightforward to create.

Championship context: Key battles to watch at Baku

The 2025 season has seen intense competition, particularly between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Piastri maintains a slim 31-point lead after a strong performance in Italy, while Norris demonstrated impressive recovery skills, finishing fourth despite a challenging grid position last year in Baku.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull are also expected to be strong contenders, having returned to winning form after a rare off weekend in Azerbaijan last year. The race in Baku could prove pivotal for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, with McLaren aiming to clinch the latter during this weekend.

For fans interested in wider sports coverage, Rory McIlroy’s recent golfing success is also featured on Sportsscoop.co.uk, highlighting notable sporting achievements in 2025.

Conclusion: Why the Azerbaijan GP is unmissable in 2025

The Baku City Circuit offers a thrilling mix of history, speed, and unpredictability, making the Azerbaijan GP a must-watch race. With live coverage on Sky Sports F1 and flexible streaming options via NOW, fans across the UK can enjoy every twist and turn of the weekend.

Whether you’re a seasoned F1 enthusiast or a casual viewer, the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises excitement, strategic battles, and memorable moments that could shape the championship’s outcome. Make sure to mark your calendar and tune in for what is sure to be an unforgettable race weekend.

For further information or enquiries, feel free to contact Sportsscoop.