Formula 2 Announces Expanded ‘Supersized’ Baku Weekend Amid F1 Calendar Uncertainty
The Formula 2 championship has confirmed a significantly expanded format for its upcoming round in Baku, adding an extra feature race and qualifying session just 10 days before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend begins. The late decision arrives as the conclusion of the Formula 1 season faces potential disruption due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Double-Header Format Confirmed for Azerbaijan
In a statement released Monday, F2 organizers detailed a unique “supersized” race weekend structure. Unlike the standard format, the Baku event will now feature two qualifying sessions, one sprint race, and two feature races, alongside a single free practice session.
“As Formula 2 is the only support event at the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix, together with the promoters, we have opted for a supersized F2 race weekend, with one free practice, two qualifying sessions, one sprint race and two feature races,” F2 CEO Bruno Michel confirmed.
“This is the only weekend where the timetable allows the additional sessions, which will increase the level of entertainment even further for the attending crowd and all our fans. The Baku City Circuit always provides us with amazing racing, so we’re very pleased to make the 12th Round of our season pretty unique.”
Strategic Move Linked to Potential Calendar Changes
While organizers did not explicitly state the rationale behind the expansion, the timing strongly suggests a contingency plan. The final two rounds of the 2024 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain uncertain due to the escalating geopolitical situation in the region, raising the possibility of cancellations or venue changes that would cost drivers valuable championship points.
The FIA and Formula 1 are expected to finalize decisions on the remainder of the calendar before the end of the month. Recent discussions have included the potential cancellation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds, with a relocated season finale at Imola in late November emerging as a possible alternative. A relocated Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, Malaysia, has already been added for early October.
“The final two rounds of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will resume with the usual weekend format made of one free practice followed by one qualifying, a sprint race and a feature race,” F2 said in a statement.
That standard format remains the current plan for the season finale, but the situation remains fluid. The Baku expansion effectively front-loads competition opportunities, ensuring the championship can award a full complement of points even if the Middle Eastern rounds are disrupted.
