Formula 2 has announced a major change to the format of the upcoming Baku round (24–26 September), which will become the busiest weekend on the 2026 championship calendar.

The reason is Baku’s special status — it is the only support category on the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix bill, giving organisers the freedom to boost the weekend’s entertainment value. Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel explained: “As Formula 2 is the only support race for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, together with the promoters we chose a weekend with an upgraded structure.”

The new format features a single 45-minute practice session on Thursday, followed by two consecutive 20-minute qualifying sessions. Friday brings a sprint race followed by the first feature race, with a second feature race on Saturday. Unlike the usual format of one qualifying session and one race per day, each of the two qualifying sessions in Baku will award 2 points for pole position, while the feature races keep the standard points distribution, including the bonus point for fastest lap.

Michel made clear that the expanded format applies to Baku only, with Qatar and Abu Dhabi reverting to the usual weekend structure for the final two rounds of the season — in other words, the closing part of the calendar remains unchanged, despite the speculation surrounding it.

For the drivers at the front of the standings, including championship leader Nikola Tsolov, the extra race in Baku means one more real opportunity to score points at a decisive stage of the season — but also extra risk, given the packed format on a street circuit.