Formula 2 - Baku

The FIA Formula 2 Championship returns to the Streets of Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 2026 season. This race takes place on the challenging Baku City Circuit, a street course known for its extreme contrasts in speed and technical difficulty. The event runs as a support race for the Formula 1 World Championship and features a unique schedule with the Sprint Race on Friday and the Feature Race on Saturday to align with Azerbaijan's national day celebrations.

The Streets of Baku Circuit

The Baku City Circuit spans 6.003 kilometers (3.730 miles) and runs anti-clockwise through the city streets. Hermann Tilke designed this circuit, which combines high-speed sections with tight, technical corners. The track features 20 turns and presents a unique challenge for F2 teams and drivers.

Circuit Layout and Key Features

The circuit includes a massive 2.2-kilometer straight along Neftchilar Avenue, the boulevard that runs beside the Caspian Sea. F2 cars reach very high speeds along this section. The contrast comes in the Castle Section, where drivers navigate through the narrow passages of the Old City. This historic section measures just 7.6 meters wide and climbs uphill through ancient walls. Drivers must maintain precision here, as the tight confines leave almost no room for error. Most turns on the circuit are 90-degree corners that demand quick direction changes.

Race Format

The Baku round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship includes two races. The Sprint Race awards points to the top eight finishers. The Feature Race awards points to the top ten finishers. Additional points go to the driver who claims pole position for the Feature Race. Fastest lap bonuses apply to both races, but drivers must finish in the top ten to earn these points.

Teams and Drivers

The 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship operates as a spec series. All 11 teams and 22 drivers use identical equipment. This format creates close competition based on driver skill and team strategy rather than technical advantages. Several teams have already confirmed their lineups for the 2026 season. Invicta Racing fields Rafael Câmara and Joshua Dürksen. Prema Racing runs Mari Boya. Rodin Motorsport enters Martinius Stenshorne. Hitech competes with Colton Herta and Ritomo Miyata. The complete entry list for the Baku round will be confirmed closer to the event date.

Technical Specifications

All F2 cars in 2026 use the Dallara F2 2024 chassis. Mecachrome supplies the V6 turbo engines. Pirelli provides the tires for all competitors. The fuel composition continues to advance sustainability goals, building on previous seasons' progress. The 2026 season fuel contains increased sustainable components, with the championship working toward fully synthetic fuels. FIA technical regulations maintain strict requirements for minimum weight and ground clearance. Teams must preserve the original car design and construction. Any replacement components come from authorized suppliers to ensure fair competition.

Car Setup Challenges

The Baku circuit creates difficult decisions for F2 teams regarding car setup. The long straight demands low downforce for maximum speed. The tight corners in the Castle Section require high downforce for grip and control. Teams must find a compromise between these opposing needs. This balance often determines which drivers perform best during the race weekend.

History of F2 at Baku

Formula 2 racing at Baku began when the circuit first hosted the championship. The street course has built a reputation for unpredictable races with high attrition rates. The tight corners and high speeds create many opportunities for incidents and position changes. Notable drivers who have won at Baku include Charles Leclerc, Alexander Albon, and George Russell during their development years. Oliver Bearman won both races at the circuit during his championship campaign. Joshua Dürksen claimed a Feature Race victory here. Dino Beganovic took a Sprint Race win. Charles Leclerc holds the fastest F2 lap record at the circuit with a time of 1:52.129.

What Makes Baku Special

The Baku City Circuit stands as one of the longest street circuits in motorsport, stretching over six kilometers. The circuit ranks among the fastest street courses in the world due to its extended straight sections. The combination of these characteristics creates a unique racing environment. Drivers face extreme speed on the straight, then must immediately adapt to the narrow, technical sections through the Old City. This duality produces close racing and frequent overtaking opportunities. The Sprint Race and Feature Race at Baku often deliver unexpected results as drivers push the limits on this demanding circuit.

The 2026 Season Context

The 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship marks its tenth season under this title. The calendar includes 14 rounds across three continents. The season begins in Melbourne, Australia. Each round follows the same format with Sprint and Feature races. The championship serves as a proving ground for drivers aiming to reach Formula 1. The spec series format ensures drivers can demonstrate their abilities on equal machinery. The Baku round represents a key test of driver skill and team strategy on one of the most challenging circuits in the championship.