Formula 2, Baku bracing for high stakes: new format and title fight intensify

After a week’s break, the Formula 2 paddock descends upon Baku for Round 12 of this gripping 2026 season. With a massive haul of points on the line and the championship battle reaching a fever pitch, the Azerbaijan streets are set to provide a high-pressure environment for the season's top contenders.

A Revolutionary Weekend Format

The schedule is incredibly dense, leaving little room for error. Drivers face a relentless Thursday, starting with Free Practice followed by two back-to-back, 20-minute Qualifying sessions. The intensity continues into Friday with a morning Sprint Race and an afternoon Feature Race, before the weekend concludes with the final race on Saturday. This grueling schedule will serve as a ultimate test of both driver endurance and team operational efficiency.

The Critical Championship Math

For those locked in the title fight, the importance of the Baku haul cannot be overstated. The championship enters a crucial phase; following this weekend, there will be a two-month hiatus before the final two rounds in Lusail and Yas Marina.

History provides a stern warning to the chasing pack: in the previous nine seasons of Formula 2, the driver leading the championship with only two rounds remaining has successfully secured the title. This makes the fight for the top spot in Baku vital. A single poor weekend could see a leader lose their momentum and fall on the wrong side of history.

Tsolov Under Pressure as Rivals Close In

Nikola Tsolov currently holds the lead in the Drivers’ Championship, but his dominance has been challenged recently. While he was once unstoppable—securing six wins in the first seven rounds—his recent form has seen a dip, including two DNFs since his double victory at Silverstone.

Despite this, the Campos Racing driver maintains strong inherent pace. However, the pressure is mounting. Alex Dunne and others have been closing the gap, with Rafael Câmara sitting just seven points behind. Tsolov must find his winning edge again to protect his advantage.

Duerksen Chasing History

While the title fight intensifies, Joshua Duerksen is eyeing a landmark achievement. The Invicta Racing driver returns to the venue of his 2024 victory with a chance to claim the outright record for the most wins in Formula 2 history.

Having already tied the record of eight wins following his victory in Monza, Duerksen needs one more triumph to stand alone at the top. Given his impressive history in Baku—including a P14 to P2 charge last season—the Paraguayan is a serious threat to rewrite the record books this weekend.