Formula 2 - Bahrain

The FIA Formula 2 Championship returns to the Bahrain International Circuit for the 2026 season. This premier junior single-seater series serves as a support race for the Formula 1 World Championship at the Sakhir facility. The Bahrain F2 event showcases the next generation of racing talent competing on one of the most challenging circuits in the championship.

Race Format and Structure

The Bahrain F2 weekend follows the standard championship format. Drivers participate in a 45-minute Free Practice session followed by a 30-minute Qualifying session. The weekend features two races: a Sprint Race covering 120 kilometers or 45 minutes, whichever comes first, and a Feature Race. The Feature Race requires a compulsory pit stop where teams must change all four tires.

Points are awarded to the top eight finishers in the Sprint Race and the top ten in the Feature Race. The pole-sitter for the Feature Race earns two championship points. Drivers who set the fastest lap in each race receive one additional point, provided they finish within the top ten positions.

Bahrain International Circuit

The Bahrain International Circuit sits within the Sakhir desert. Hermann Tilke designed this facility, which was constructed in 16 months at a cost of approximately $150 million USD. The circuit opened in 2004 and quickly became a staple of international motorsport.

The Grand Prix Circuit layout measures 5.412 kilometers (3.363 miles) and contains 15 corners. The track combines long straights with tight, technical corners that demand precise braking and accurate cornering. Wide run-off areas enhance safety while promoting overtaking opportunities throughout the lap.

The circuit surface uses graywacke aggregate imported from Shropshire, England. Teams spray adhesive on the surrounding sand to prevent desert particles from affecting the racing surface. The facility accommodates 45,000 spectators and has hosted night races since 2014, providing cooler track temperatures and improved conditions for racing.

Track Characteristics

Turn 1 bears the name of Michael Schumacher, who won the inaugural Formula 1 race at this venue. This remains the only corner on any F1 track named after a driver. The circuit creates the heaviest tire degradation drivers face during the championship season. The abrasive surface combined with effective DRS zones creates multiple overtaking opportunities.

The Bahrain International Circuit complex features six different track configurations beyond the Grand Prix layout. These include a test oval and a drag strip. The Bahrain International Karting Circuit became the first karting facility globally to host world championship races under lights.

2026 Teams and Drivers

The 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship features 11 teams fielding 22 drivers. Invicta Racing enters as the reigning Teams' and Drivers' Champions from the previous season.

Invicta Racing fields Rafael Câmara and Joshua Dürksen. Câmara joins the team as the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Champion. Hitech TGR brings Ritomo Miyata and Colton Herta to Bahrain. Herta makes a notable switch from IndyCar to compete in F2.

Campos Racing runs Noel León and Nikola Tsolov. DAMS Lucas Oil enters Dino Beganovic and Roman Bilinski. MP Motorsport fields Gabriele Minì and Oliver Goethe, while PREMA Racing competes with Sebastián Montoya and Mari Boya.

Rodin Motorsport brings Martinius Stenshorne and Alexander Dunne. ART Grand Prix fields Kush Maini and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak. Maini stands as the most experienced driver in the field. AIX Racing runs Emerson Fittipaldi and Cian Shields.

Van Amersfoort Racing enters Nicolás Varrone and Rafael Villagómez. Varrone transitions from the World Endurance Championship. Trident completes the grid with Laurens van Hoepen and John Bennett.

Technical Specifications

The FIA Formula 2 Championship operates as a spec series. All teams compete with identical equipment to emphasize driver skill. The Dallara F2 2024 chassis was introduced to better resemble current Formula 1 cars and accommodate drivers of varying physical sizes.

A Mecachrome-assembled 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 engine powers each car. Pirelli supplies tires exclusively for the championship. The company typically provides hard and soft compound tires for Bahrain due to the high degradation rates at this circuit. Each driver receives five sets of dry-weather tires per weekend.

Sustainability and Technology

The series continues its sustainability initiatives through Aramco-supplied fuel with increased percentages of sustainable components. The championship aims for fully synthetic fuels by 2027.

The Drag Reduction System (DRS) can be used in designated zones during practice and qualifying sessions. During races, DRS becomes active in specific zones when a driver runs less than one second behind the car ahead. This system typically activates after two laps unless race control determines otherwise.

Championship History

The FIA Formula 2 Championship was introduced in 2017 as the successor to the GP2 series. Both championships have raced at the Bahrain International Circuit, establishing a strong connection between the venue and junior single-seater racing.

The Bahrain International Circuit made history by hosting the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Middle East in 2004. This event established Bahrain as a significant location for international motorsport.

Bahrain has produced memorable F2 races over the years. The circuit layout and abrasive surface combine with effective DRS zones to create numerous passing opportunities. The demanding nature of the track tests tire management, strategy execution, and raw speed across both race formats. This combination of factors promises compelling racing action throughout the weekend at this desert facility.