– For the Formula 2 drivers, there will be more points to be earned in Baku than originally planned. An adjustment of the schedule for the third-last race weekend of the season could well be seen as a hint for the further Formula 1 calendar.
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The Formula 2 Championship has announced a so-called “Supersized” event for its upcoming appearance in Baku. An unusual and also short-notice decision that inevitably causes raised eyebrows – especially at a time when the end of the season for the premier class is still on shaky ground, as the Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi may not be able to take place as planned due to the extremely tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
Specifically, the announcement by the Formula 2 organizers on Monday – just ten days before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, during which the junior series competes – means a double-header weekend: compared to the usual race format, an additional qualifying session and a second feature race are added to the schedule.
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“Since Formula 2 is the only support event at the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, we have decided together with the promoters on an expanded Formula 2 race weekend – with one free practice, two qualifying sessions, one sprint race, and two feature races,” confirmed Formula 2 boss Bruno Michel.
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“This is the only race weekend where the schedule allows these additional sessions at all. This will significantly increase the entertainment value for the spectators on site and all our fans. The Baku City Circuit always guarantees us exciting racing anyway, so we are very pleased to make the twelfth season round something very special.”
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Why the decision was made to expand the Baku weekend was left open in detail by those responsible. Nevertheless, the impression arises – even if it cannot be proven with absolute certainty – that this is already intended as a precaution to cushion and compensate for possible cancellations or restructurings in the season finale.
No signs of cancellations, but …
“The last two season stops in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be held again in the usual format with one free practice, one qualifying, one sprint race, and one feature race,” said a statement from Formula 2. That is the current state of affairs – but depending on the decisions that Formula 1 makes regarding its season finale, this picture could change quickly.
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It is expected that the FIA and Formula 1 will make a decision on the remaining calendar for 2026 before the end of the month. A Bahrain Grand Prix relocated to Sepang (Malaysia) has already been integrated for early October. Among the recently discussed options is also the possibility of canceling the two trips to Qatar and Abu Dhabi completely and instead racing in Imola at the end of November.
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