Formula 2: Baku to feature two qualifying sessions and two Feature Races
The FIA Formula 2 Championship will introduce an enhanced format for Round 12 of the 2026 season at Baku City Circuit from 24 to 26 September, adding a second Qualifying session and a second Feature Race to the schedule.
The change makes Azerbaijan the only round on the 2026 calendar with one Free Practice session, two Qualifying sessions, one Sprint Race and two Feature Races. The format has been agreed with the promoters because Formula 2 is the only Support Event at the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix, while the timetable allows the additional sessions.
The decision gives the Baku weekend a distinct competitive shape, with drivers required to convert qualifying performance into results across three races rather than the usual two. The championshipâs most recent action included a closely contested Formula 2 Madrid weekend, but Baku will offer a significantly different structure for teams and drivers to manage.
How the Baku schedule will work
The event begins on Thursday morning with a 45-minute Free Practice session. Two consecutive 20-minute Qualifying sessions will follow on Thursday afternoon, creating separate grid-setting opportunities for the weekendâs races.
On Friday morning, the Sprint Race will use a reverse-grid order determined by the results of the first Qualifying session. The first Feature Race will then take place on Friday afternoon, with its starting grid also set by the first Qualifying session.
The second Feature Race is scheduled for Saturday morning. Its grid will be determined by the results of the second Qualifying session, giving that session a direct and important role in the weekendâs final race.
Points allocation
Pole position in each Qualifying session will award two points. Both Feature Races will carry the standard Formula 2 points allocation, including one point for Fastest Lap, provided the driver finishes inside the top 10 of the final race classification and meets the requirements of the FIA Formula 2 Sporting Regulations.
Regular format returns for final rounds
The expanded Baku format will be limited to Round 12. The final two rounds of the 2026 season, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, will return to the usual weekend structure: one Free Practice session, one Qualifying session, a Sprint Race and a Feature Race.
FIA Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel said the additional sessions would increase the entertainment value for spectators and fans, while highlighting Baku City Circuitâs ability to produce âamazing racingâ. He added that the championship would revert to its standard format for the final rounds at Doha and Yas Marina.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.