Baku

The FIA Formula 2 Championship returns to the Streets of Baku in Azerbaijan for another round of close competition. This event supports the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and brings F2 racing to one of the fastest street circuits on the motorsport calendar. The Baku City Circuit provides a unique challenge for drivers as they compete for championship points on the temporary street course that winds through the capital of Azerbaijan.

The Streets of Baku Circuit

The Baku City Circuit measures 6.003 kilometers and ranks as one of the longest circuits in Formula 1 and F2 racing. Hermann Tilke designed this anti-clockwise street circuit, which combines long, high-speed straights with tight, technical corners around the historic Old City walls. The track demands a careful balance from teams between maximum top speed and mechanical grip.

The circuit features an unusually long pit straight for a street circuit, where drivers reach their highest speeds. This contrasts sharply with the narrow passages through Baku's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Limited run-off areas make the track unforgiving, and drivers must exercise precision to avoid the walls. The main straight provides strong overtaking opportunities, especially when drivers use DRS.

Charles Leclerc holds the F2 fastest lap record at Baku with a time of 1:52.129, set during his championship-winning season with PREMA Racing.

Race Weekend Format

The F2 weekend at Baku includes Free Practice, Qualifying, a Sprint Race, and a Feature Race. The Sprint Race takes place on Friday, while the Feature Race runs on Saturday to accommodate Azerbaijan's national day celebrations.

The Sprint Race awards points to the top eight finishers: 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 point respectively. The Feature Race provides points to the top ten drivers: 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1 point. Pole position in the Feature Race earns two bonus points. One additional point goes to the fastest lap in each race, provided the driver finishes in the top ten.

Pirelli typically supplies medium and supersoft tire compounds for Baku, though the specific allocation varies based on circuit characteristics and championship requirements.

Teams and Drivers for 2026

The championship fields 11 teams and 22 drivers. Invicta Racing enters Rafael Câmara and Joshua Duerksen. Hitech TGR runs Ritomo Miyata and Colton Herta. Campos Racing fields Noel León and Nikola Tsolov. DAMS Lucas Oil competes with Dino Beganovic and Roman Bilinski. MP Motorsport enters Gabriele Minì and Oliver Goethe.

Prema Racing brings Sebastián Montoya and Mari Boya. Rodin Motorsport fields Martinius Stenshorne and Alexander Dunne. ART Grand Prix runs Kush Maini and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak. AIX Racing enters Emerson Fittipaldi Jr. and Cian Shields. Van Amersfoort Racing competes with Nicolás Varrone and Rafael Villagómez. Trident fields Laurens van Hoepen and John Bennett.

Technical Specifications

Formula 2 operates as a spec series where all teams use identical equipment. This levels the playing field and emphasizes driver skill over technical development. Every team competes with the Dallara F2 2024 chassis. Teams cannot develop individual upgrades and must purchase all spare parts from championship organizers.

A Mecachrome-assembled 3.4L turbocharged V6 engine powers each car. Aramco supplies fuel with significant sustainable components, as the series progresses toward fully synthetic fuels. Pirelli remains the sole tire supplier across all teams.

The Drag Reduction System (DRS) activates in designated zones during practice and qualifying without restrictions. During races, drivers can only use DRS within these zones when they are less than one second behind the car ahead at the detection point. Race control typically allows DRS activation after two laps, unless conditions require otherwise.

The minimum weight for F2 cars stands at 500 kg. Cars must maintain a minimum ground clearance of 40 mm at all times during competition.

Racing at Baku

The Baku F2 round has featured on the championship calendar since the series adopted the Formula 2 name. The circuit earned its reputation as the "fastest street circuit on the calendar" due to those extended straightaways where cars reach maximum velocity.

Races at Baku often produce unpredictable results. The combination of high speeds, tight corners, and minimal run-off areas frequently leads to safety car deployments. Strategy becomes crucial as teams must adapt their plans to changing race conditions. Tire management plays a vital role on this demanding surface.

The track layout creates natural drama. Drivers push for overtakes on the long straight while defending through the technical sections. The narrow Old City section tests precision, and any small mistake can end a race against the unforgiving barriers. Multiple racing lines through certain corners give drivers options for attack and defense.

Weather can also influence the race weekend. Baku's location on the Caspian Sea coast brings variable conditions that teams must monitor. Wind speeds can change throughout the day, affecting car balance and performance on the straights.

What Makes Baku Special for F2

The Streets of Baku provides one of the most distinctive challenges in F2 racing. The contrast between the ultra-high-speed sections and the tight, technical passages creates a complete test of driver ability. Young drivers must demonstrate bravery on the straights and precision through the Old City.

The street circuit format means the track evolves throughout the weekend. Grip levels improve as rubber builds up on the racing line, and teams must adjust their setups accordingly. The lack of permanent run-off areas means mistakes carry immediate consequences, rewarding clean and consistent driving.

Azerbaijan brings F2 racing to a unique cultural setting. The juxtaposition of modern Baku with the ancient Old City creates a memorable backdrop for motorsport. The event showcases the championship to new audiences and demonstrates the global reach of the F2 series.

This race often produces significant championship implications. Points scored at Baku can shift the standings and influence title battles. The unpredictable nature of the circuit means any driver can capitalize on opportunities, and teams must execute their strategy flawlessly to maximize results.