Azerbaijan GP: How to watch first Sprint weekend of 2023 on Sky Sports as F1 returns in Baku

Sprint weekend returns with new format to debut at Azerbaijan GP, with all sessions live on Sky Sports F1; Watch Qualifying for Grand Prix at 2pm Fri, new Sprint Shootout at 9.30am Sat, Sprint race at 2.30pm Sat before lights out for Sunday’s Azerbaijan GP at 12pm

Formula 1 is set for a frantic return from its four-week break as the streets of Baku host the first Sprint weekend of the 2023 season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

It will be the first time an F1 Sprint has been held on a street circuit, and a new format to sprint weekends has been confirmed for 2023.

There is now just one practice session on Friday morning, before qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix takes place at 2pm on Friday, with live build-up from 1pm on Sky Sports F1.

Saturday is now a standalone day for Sprint events. The new Sprint Shootout qualifying session takes place at 9.30am on Saturday, build-up from 9am on Sky Sports F1, and lights out for the Sprint is at 2.30pm with build-up from 1.30pm.

On Sunday, Sky Sports F1 will be on-air with build-up to the Azerbaijan GP from 10.30am ahead of lights out at 12pm.

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With the new changes to the F1 Sprint weekends, Craig Slater explains why Sprint is crucial in deciding a Drivers Championship.

Red Bull will be seeking to continue their perfect start to 2023 in Baku having won the opening three races of the season before F1’s extended break.

Reigning champion Max Verstappen holds a 15-point advantage over team-mate Sergio Perez in the drivers’ championship, with Fernando Alonso a further nine points back.

In the constructors’ championship, Red Bull are 58 points ahead of Aston Martin with Mercedes sitting in third.

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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place around the Baku City Circuit

Sky Sports F1’s live Azerbaijan GP schedule

Thursday
10.30am: Drivers’ Press Conference

Friday
8am: F2 Practice
10am: Azerbaijan GP Practice One (session starts 10.30am)
11.55am: F2 Qualifying
1pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: AZERBAIJAN GP QUALIFYING
3.30pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

Saturday
9am: Azerbaijan GP Sprint Qualifying build-up
9.30am: AZERBAIJAN GP SPRINT SHOOTOUT
12:10pm: F2 Sprint Race
1.30pm: Azerbaijan GP Sprint build-up
2:30pm: AZERBAIJAN GP SPRINT
4pm: Ted’s Sprint Notebook

Sunday
8.30am: F2 Feature Race
10.30am: Grand Prix Sunday Azerbaijan GP build-up
12pm: THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
2pm: Chequered Flag Azerbaijan GP reaction
3pm: Ted’s Notebook

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Karun Chandhok shares his most memorable moments from the tricky challenging Baku City Circuit ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

New for 2023: Ride onboard with any driver

Sky Sports F1 viewers can experience live races from inside the car of their favourite driver thanks to a stunning new innovation for the 2023 season.

Sky customers with a Sky Sports F1 subscription just need to download the Sky Sports App and log in to ride with Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc or any driver of their choice.

In addition to the 20 driver onboard streams, viewers will also be able to experience the Sky Sports ‘Battle Channel’, a split-screen offering focusing on a battle between up to three cars.

If you prefer to jump onboard through your TV screen, the service will also be available through Sky Q and Sky Glass.

This is in addition to the Race Control streams that have been available in previous seasons, including multi-screen, timing screen, driver tracker and onboard mix.

The Formula 1 season resumes with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from April 28-30, with the first Sprint weekend of 2023 shown in full live on Sky Sports F1. Watch Saturday’s Sprint at 2:30pm and Sunday’s race at 12pm. Get Sky Sports