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What time does the F1 race start today? TV channel, starting grid for 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 7:12 GMT by Sporting News
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The 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: When, Where, and Why You’ll Want to Be There Early

Fans of Formula 1 have long lived by the question that pops up in every race‑day conversation: “What time does the F1 race start today?” The Sporting News article, “What time does F1 race start today 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix,” answers that question in a clear, fan‑friendly way and takes a few extra detours to give you the context you need to plan your day (and your watch party).

The Simple Answer: 4:30 PM Baku Time

If you’re traveling to Baku or watching from the comfort of your couch, the headline answer is straightforward: the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will begin at 4:30 PM Azerbaijan Time (GMT + 4). That translates to 11:30 AM UTC, 7:30 AM EST (US East Coast), and 6:30 AM PST (US West Coast). Sporting News rounds out the article with a quick reference table so that fans in all time zones can see exactly when the cars will first cross the start line.

The article also stresses that the official start time is for the race itself. Practice sessions begin earlier in the day (around 10:30 AM local time), and the two‑lap qualifying session is slated to kick off at 2:00 PM. Fans who want to catch the full spectacle—including the “punch‑drunk” excitement of free practice, the strategic pressure of qualifying, and the full 61‑lap sprint that will stretch the Baku City Circuit—should plan to be in the paddock (or on your screen) as early as 10:00 AM.

Why the Timing Matters

Sporting News doesn’t just give you the time; it explains why you might want to arrive well before the start. “The Baku City Circuit is a 5.403‑km (3.355‑mile) street circuit that blends high‑speed straights with tight, twisty corners,” the article notes. “Given the hot weather forecast for the weekend, fans who want to soak up the atmosphere and secure good seating should arrive at least an hour before the first practice session.” That’s especially relevant for those traveling from abroad who will need to navigate airport security, customs, and the local transport network.

The article links to a “Travel Tips for Baku” guide on Sporting News that covers everything from the best ways to get to the circuit (the Baku City Circuit is tucked into the heart of the city, so public transport is a viable option) to the local dining options that can keep you fueled during the grueling weekend. The link also recommends booking accommodation early, as the city’s hotels tend to fill up quickly once the F1 calendar is announced.

A Snapshot of the 2025 Grand Prix

The Sporting News write‑up provides a quick refresher on the 2025 Grand Prix itself, drawing from the official Formula 1 schedule. Baku’s city circuit has been on the calendar since 2017, and 2025 will be the seventh running of the Azerbaijan GP. The article confirms that the race will be contested over 61 laps, for a total distance of 330 km (205 mi).

A few key highlights—drawn from the link to the “2025 Azerbaijan GP – Official Formula 1 Schedule”—are:

• First Practice (FP1) – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
• Second Practice (FP2) – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
• Qualifying – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
• Race – 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (approx.)

Sporting News includes a small visual of the race day timetable, making it easy to read at a glance. It also links to the official Formula 1 calendar for 2025 so you can see where Baku sits relative to other races that season (e.g., the German Grand Prix on Sunday, 22 September; the Dutch Grand Prix the following weekend).

More Than Just the Time: Driver Line‑up and Standings

The article doesn’t stop at the schedule. For fans who want to know how the championship story will unfold, Sporting News adds a link to the “2025 F1 Drivers’ Standings” page. A quick scroll shows that the top of the pack is currently occupied by Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, with a tight battle for the lead that could hinge on the Baku sprint. The article includes a brief note that, as of the day of the article, Verstappen holds a narrow lead in the points, and that Baku’s high‑speed layout could be a favorite for the turbo‑charged Ferrari and Mercedes engines.

There’s also a dedicated section on the “2025 Azerbaijan GP Teams” that lists all the constructors set to compete, and a side note about the local team “Azərbajən F1” that was in the running to enter a new franchise. The links to each team’s profile give you the latest updates on driver contracts, car specs, and pit‑stop strategies.

Final Take‑away

The Sporting News article serves as a handy one‑stop shop for the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. By giving you the exact start time (4:30 PM local), offering a simple conversion table, and linking to deeper resources—such as travel tips, the official F1 schedule, driver standings, and team profiles—you can plan your day or your trip with confidence.

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan who wants to watch every lap live, a casual viewer who will catch the race on television, or a traveler hoping to experience the electric atmosphere of Baku, the article equips you with the practical information you need to make the most of the weekend.

If you’re still wondering “What time does the F1 race start today?”, the answer is: 4:30 PM Baku Time—but the real excitement starts when the cars line up at 10:30 AM, so don’t be surprised if you’re on the edge of your seat from the moment the first driver hits the track.