Formula 2 will add an extra qualifying session and a second Feature Race in Baku to trial an expanded race weekend format for Round 12 of the 2026 season, at the Baku City Circuit on 24-26 September.
The one-off change applies only to the Azerbaijan round, where F2 is the sole support category for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The final two rounds of the season, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, will revert to the standard format of one Free Practice session, one Qualifying session, a Sprint Race and a Feature Race.
Bruno Michel, FIA Formula 2 CEO, said the Baku timetable created an opportunity to expand the show.
“As Formula 2 is the only Support Event at the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix, together with the promoters, we have opted for a supersized F2 race weekend, with one Free Practice, two Qualifying sessions, one Sprint Race and two Feature Races,” Michel said.
“This is the only weekend where the timetable allows the additional sessions, which will increase the level of entertainment even further for the attending crowd and all our fans. The Baku City Circuit always provides us with amazing racing, so we’re very pleased to make the 12th Round of our season pretty unique.”
He confirmed the format will not be repeated for the remainder of the season. “We will then revert to our usual race weekend format for the final two rounds of the 2026 season, which will be held at Doha and Yas Marina.”
The revised schedule will run across three days. Thursday morning brings a single 45-minute Free Practice session, followed in the afternoon by two consecutive 20-minute Qualifying sessions. Friday will begin with the Sprint Race, with the grid set in reverse order from the first Qualifying session, followed by the first Feature Race in the afternoon, with the grid taken directly from that same Qualifying session. The second Feature Race follows on Saturday morning, with the grid set by the results of the second Qualifying session.
Pole position in the Qualifying sessions will carry 2 points, while both Feature Races will use the standard points allocation, including the Fastest Lap point for drivers finishing in the top ten, in line with the FIA Formula 2 Sporting Regulations.
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