Bruno Michel, the F2 CEO, confirmed that the final two rounds of the Formula 2 season will still take place, and the series will not retroactively name the 2026 champion.
The conflict in the Middle East began in February when the US and Israel began strikes on Iran. In the process, neighbouring Middle Eastern countries have faced blowback, destabilising much of the region.
In the early phases of the conflict, one of the smaller consequences has been the impact on the F1 and, subsequently, the F2 calendar. F1 rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled, which affected F2, which races alongside F1.
Luckily, because it was early in the season, the rounds were rescheduled and instead raced in Montreal, Canada. However, as the season comes to a close, the series is running out of time to reschedule Qatar and Abu Dhabi if they are cancelled.
F2 will end in the Middle East
Yet Michel urged the media, including Motorsport Week, not to worry, as F1, and subsequently F2, still plans to go to the Middle East to close out the season in November and December.
“For the moment – and I think it’s completely clear – Qatar and Abu Dhabi are on the calendar, and we are going to finish the championship in Qatar and in Abu Dhabi,” he said
“We’re following Formula 1 on that. Formula 1 is completely aware of the situation and what needs to be done to make sure that we run those two races in the best conditions, which will be the case.
“Since we have a fantastic championship to finish with a lot of drivers – three drivers fighting for the title – we’re really looking forward to having those last two races in Qatar and in Abu Dhabi.”
After Baku, questions arose about the championship. Michel was asked whether replacements are planned in case of cancellations like those in April. However, the Frenchman refused to consider the possibility.
“Well, Qatar and Abu Dhabi will not be cancelled,” he insisted again. “You know, the drivers always have an opinion on a lot of things.
“But I tell you now, we want to finish the season there for sure. That’s what Formula 1 is doing as well, and that’s what we’re doing too.”
Could Camara become champion from Baku?
If the final rounds failed to go ahead, the champion would likely be retroactively crowned from Baku. Which would leave Rafa Camara as the F2 Champion. When asked whether crowning a champion retroactively was possible, Michel admitted it would be ‘very sad’ but ‘it’s not going to happen.’
“You know, that would be very sad, let’s put it that way.
“I don’t think it’s going to happen – honestly, it’s not going to happen. Because I agree with you, going back and saying, ‘Oh, by the way, the champion has been declared a month ago, but we couldn’t crown you’, would not be very good. So, yes, we absolutely want to finish the championship as it is now.”
Formula 1 still has all signs pointing to the season finishing in the Middle East, with rumours of Imola seemingly dissipating after recent rounds. With just over a month left before Qatar, F1 is running out of time to change its mind.
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