Formula 2 will significantly expand its Baku weekend just days before the Azerbaijan event, adding a second qualifying session and an additional Feature Race to the programme. The unusual change will also increase the number of championship points available to the drivers, while inevitably drawing attention to the final rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The decision comes at a particularly sensitive point in the season, with doubts surrounding the final events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi because of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. For now, however, there is no confirmation that the two issues are directly connected.
Formula 2 expands Baku weekend with extra qualifying and Feature Race
The traditional Formula 2 schedule in Azerbaijan will therefore be enlarged to include free practice, two qualifying sessions, one Sprint Race and two Feature Races. The one-off format will make Baku an even more important weekend in terms of the points available to the championship contenders.
The change will take place alongside the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit, one of the late-season events on the revised Formula 1 schedule.
Formula 2 chief Bruno Michel explained the reasoning behind the decision:
“As Formula 2 is the only support category present in Baku, together with the organisers we chose to expand the programme with free practice, two qualifying sessions, a Sprint and two Feature Races.”
Bruno Michel confirms Baku format will be a one-off
Bruno Michel also made clear that the expanded Formula 2 weekend is intended to be an exception rather than the beginning of a wider change to the championship format.
“This format will be used only in Azerbaijan. Baku often produces very competitive races and we wanted to make this event even richer for the fans.”
The additional sessions therefore make the Azerbaijan round particularly unusual, while giving spectators considerably more Formula 2 track action than during a conventional race weekend.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the standard Formula 2 schedule
For the moment, Formula 2 continues to confirm its traditional format for both Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The unusually large Baku programme should therefore not be regarded as evidence that either of the final two rounds will be cancelled.
Nevertheless, the timing of the decision means the end of the season remains under observation as the wider geopolitical situation develops. Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still included at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with no confirmed direct connection between the special Baku format and the uncertainty surrounding the Middle Eastern events.
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