Daily News 19

Tag: Formula 2

  • Formula 1 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Start Time and How to Watch

    Formula 1 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Start Time and How to Watch

    Key Highlights

    • Formula 1 heads to the Baku City Circuit for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the race scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time.
    • Kimi Antonelli holds a commanding 81-point lead in the drivers’ championship after his Madrid victory, while Lando Norris seeks redemption after missing a potential win from pole position.
    • Formula 2 continues its 2026 campaign in Baku for Round 12 with championship leader Nikola Tsolov in action across a packed support-race schedule beginning Thursday, September 24.

    Formula 1 Arrives in Baku for Critical Championship Weekend

    The Formula 1 circus touches down in Azerbaijan this week for the ninth running of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit, marking the venue’s 10th Formula 1 outing since its debut as the European Grand Prix in 2016. The street circuit, renowned for its dramatic blend of high-speed straights and tight, twisty sections winding through the city’s historic old town and medieval walls, sets the stage for a pivotal weekend in the 2026 championship battle.

    Championship Dynamics: Antonelli Extends Lead, Norris Hunts Redemption

    Kimi Antonelli arrives in Baku with a formidable 81-point advantage at the top of the drivers’ standings following his victory at the previous round in Madrid. That race delivered a significant twist: polesitter Lando Norris, driving for McLaren, failed to convert his grid position into a win, handing Antonelli a crucial psychological and numerical edge. The McLaren driver will be desperate to bounce back on a circuit that has historically produced unpredictable outcomes, while Antonelli aims to continue his commanding run of form and tighten his grip on the title.

    Baku’s Unique Challenge and Historical Winners

    The Baku City Circuit’s distinctive layout—looping around the Caspian Sea waterfront and through the narrow streets of the old town—has consistently tested driver precision and car reliability. Over the years, only two drivers have managed multiple victories at this venue: Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, both of whom have stood on the top step of the podium twice. Their success underscores the circuit’s demand for a blend of outright speed, tire management, and race craft, qualities that will be essential again this weekend.

    Session Schedule and Global Broadcast Details

    The weekend kicks off unusually early with Free Practice 1 on Thursday, September 24 at 12:30 local time, followed by Free Practice 2 at 16:00. Friday, September 25 sees Free Practice 3 at 12:30 and Qualifying at 16:00, setting the grid for the Grand Prix itself on Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time. Comprehensive global start times for all sessions are available via the official Formula 1 race hub.

    Fans can watch every session live on F1 TV Pro (available in selected territories), which offers ad-free coverage, onboard cameras from all 22 cars, and pre- and post-race shows in six languages. The service streams via Apple TV, Chromecast (Gen 2+), Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. For an enhanced experience, F1 TV Premium provides 4K Ultra HD/HDR streaming on up to six devices simultaneously, plus a personalized Multiview feature with 26 selectable feeds on compatible devices. The platform also includes live coverage of F2, F3, F1 ACADEMY, and Porsche Supercup sessions. Live timing remains accessible on F1.com and the official F1 app throughout the weekend.

    Weather Outlook and Formula 2 Support Action

    Current forecasts indicate mild and dry conditions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, though the circuit’s proximity to the Caspian Sea often brings gusty winds that have caught out drivers in previous years. Teams will need to monitor aerodynamic balance closely, particularly during qualifying and the race.

    While Formula 3 concluded its season in Spain, the 2026 Formula 2 championship moves to Baku for Round 12. Championship leader Nikola Tsolov heads the field into a packed schedule: Qualifying, Practice, and Qualifying 2 all take place on Thursday, September 24. The Sprint Race runs Friday, September 25 at 08:15 local time, followed by Feature Race 1 at 14:15. Feature Race 2 is set for Saturday, September 26 at 11:00, providing a full day of junior single-seater action ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

    Why This Matters

    The Azerbaijan Grand Prix represents a critical juncture in the 2026 Formula 1 season. With Kimi Antonelli holding an 81-point championship lead, the pressure mounts on rivals—particularly Lando Norris and McLaren—to close the gap before the calendar enters its latter stages. Baku’s history of safety cars, red flags, and strategic variability offers a prime opportunity for a momentum shift. Additionally, the circuit’s status as a street venue with limited run-off areas amplifies the importance of qualifying performance and race-day execution. For Formula 2, Baku hosts a triple-header weekend that could decisively shape the title fight, with Nikola Tsolov aiming to extend his advantage under the unique pressure of two feature races in two days. The event also marks the continued evolution of F1’s broadcast strategy, with F1 TV Premium’s 4K Multiview offering a glimpse into the future of personalized motorsport consumption.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race start?
    The Grand Prix starts on Saturday, September 26 at 15:00 local time at the Baku City Circuit. Global start times vary by time zone and are listed on the official Formula 1 race hub.
    How can I watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix live?
    Live coverage is available on F1 TV Pro (ad-free, with onboards and multi-language commentary) and F1 TV Premium (4K UHD/HDR, Multiview, up to six devices). Both services stream via major smart TV platforms. Live timing is also free on F1.com and the F1 app.
    Who are the most successful drivers at the Baku City Circuit?
    Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen are the only drivers to have won multiple times in Baku, each with two victories. The circuit has produced a variety of winners since its 2016 debut as the European Grand Prix.
  • Audi Junior, F3 Runner-Up Freddie Slater Set for 2027 F2 Debut

    Audi Junior, F3 Runner-Up Freddie Slater Set for 2027 F2 Debut

    Formula 3 runner-up Freddie Slater, a member of the Audi Driver Development Programme, will graduate to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing for the 2027 season.

    Standout Rookie Campaign Earns F2 Promotion

    The 18-year-old British driver completed a remarkable debut season in FIA Formula 3, securing one Feature Race victory, three pole positions, and eight total podium finishes. Slater narrowly missed the 2024 championship title, finishing 14 points behind champion Ugo Ugochukwu after a season-long battle that extended to the final round.

    Audi Backing Continues Through Single-Seater Ladder

    Slater joined the Audi Driver Development Programme as its inaugural member earlier this year. The manufacturer’s support has accompanied his rapid ascent through the junior ranks, which includes titles in the Ginetta Junior Championship, success in Italian and UAE Formula 4, and a strong showing in the Formula Regional European Championship before stepping up to F3.

    Invicta Racing: Back-to-Back Champions

    Invicta Racing enters 2027 as the dominant force in Formula 2, having claimed consecutive Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships in 2024 and 2025. The squad’s proven track record and technical infrastructure made it a natural destination for Slater’s next career step.

    Allan McNish: “Natural Next Step” for Development

    Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme said: “The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver.

    “He enjoyed a strong Formula 3 season, fighting for the title until the final round – showing his speed, racecraft and progress throughout the year. We are very proud of what Freddie has achieved this season and how he has developed along the way.

    “Invicta Racing has had an excellent record in recent years, and we are delighted to be working with them. We believe it is the ideal environment for him, and we look forward to supporting him as he takes on this new challenge in 2027.”

    Slater “Excited” for New Challenge with Invicta

    “I’m really excited to be stepping up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next year,” Slater added. “I learned a lot in Formula 3 this season, and I feel I have developed as a driver and as a person over the course of the year.

    “Invicta has a great record in Formula 2, and I cannot wait to get started with the team and prepare for our campaign together.

    “I am also very grateful for the continued support from the Audi Driver Development Programme. There is still a lot for me to learn, and I’m really looking forward to taking on this new challenge.”

  • F2 Adds Extra Feature Race to Baku Schedule: Is This a Clue for F1’s Future?

    F2 Adds Extra Feature Race to Baku Schedule: Is This a Clue for F1’s Future?

    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.

  • Dino Beganovic Dominates F2 Feature Race at Madring

    Dino Beganovic Dominates F2 Feature Race at Madring

    Dino Beganovic Dominates Madrid F2 Feature Race for First Season Victory

    DAMS Lucas Oil driver Dino Beganovic delivered a commanding lights-to-flag performance to win the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race in Madrid, securing his maiden victory of the 2025 campaign. Starting from pole position, Beganovic executed a flawless start and managed two Safety Car restarts with precision, ultimately crossing the finish line more than seven seconds clear of the field.

    Podium Finishers: Dunne and Miyata Chase Beganovic Home

    Rodin Motorsport’s Alexander Dunne finished a distant second, while Ritomo Miyata continued his strong weekend for Hitech Pulse-Eight. After claiming victory in Saturday’s Sprint Race, the Japanese driver added a Feature Race podium with a solid run to third place.

    Top Ten Shaped by Penalties and Overtakes

    Joshua Duerksen (Invicta Racing) took fourth ahead of Emerson Fittipaldi (AIX Racing) and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak (ART Grand Prix). Further back, Gabriele Minì produced one of the drives of the day for MP Motorsport, carving his way from 13th on the grid to seventh with a series of decisive overtakes. Teammate Martinius Stenshorne followed him home in eighth.

    Roman Bilinski initially took the chequered flag in tenth for Invicta Racing but was promoted to ninth after Rafael Camara received a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision with Ollie Goethe. The result awards Bilinski a valuable championship point.

    Championship Leader Tsolov Suffers Setback

    It was a weekend to forget for title protagonist Nikola Tsolov. The championship leader ended the Feature Race at the back of the classification following contact, leaving the standings wide open heading into the final rounds.

    Next Stop: Baku for Round 12

    The FIA Formula 2 Championship now heads to the Baku City Circuit for Round 12, scheduled for September 24–26. The high-speed street track traditionally produces chaotic, opportunity-rich racing that could further shuffle the title fight.

    For a comprehensive breakdown of every incident, strategy call, and sector time from the Madrid Feature Race, read the full official race report.

  • Colton Herta Withdraws From Both Madring F2 Races

    Colton Herta Withdraws From Both Madring F2 Races

    Colton Herta Withdraws from Madrid F2 Rounds After Qualifying Crash

    Colton Herta has withdrawn from both races at the Formula 2 round in Madrid following a heavy qualifying accident on Friday. The Hitech Pulse-Eight driver lost control of his car at Turn 19, sliding into both barriers and sustaining significant damage to the front, rear, and right-hand side of his machinery.

    Driver Cites Feeling Unwell

    Herta subsequently pulled out of Saturday’s sprint race and Sunday’s feature race, reportedly feeling “unwell”. The team offered no comment regarding his potential participation at upcoming championship rounds.

    Difficult Rookie Season Continues

    The former IndyCar race winner switched to F2 this year to pursue his Formula 1 ambitions, securing a Cadillac test and development role. However, the transition has proven challenging. Across 11 rounds, Herta has reached the top 10 in qualifying only once and has accumulated 26 points — 20 of which came during the opening five events.

    His form has deteriorated recently. At Monza, Herta crashed twice in what was arguably his worst weekend of the season. The Madrid incident marks his third accident in his last six F2 sessions.

    Teammate and Countryman Celebrate Success

    While Herta’s weekend ended early, his teammate Ritomo Miyata achieved a career milestone by claiming his maiden F2 victory on Saturday — at the 76th attempt. Meanwhile, fellow American Ugo Ugochukwu secured the 2026 FIA Formula 3 championship title on Sunday.

    Championship Standings Update

    Ferrari junior Dino Beganovic dominated Sunday’s feature race, converting pole position into a commanding win. In the drivers’ standings, Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov leads with 177 points, followed by Ferrari Academy driver Rafael Camara on 170. Alpine’s Gabriele Mini sits third with 153 points, while Alex Dunne rounds out the top four on 139.

  • F2: Ritomo Miyata claims impressive maiden victory in Madrid Sprint Race

    F2: Ritomo Miyata claims impressive maiden victory in Madrid Sprint Race

    Ritomo Miyata Claims Maiden Formula 2 Victory in Madrid Sprint Race

    Ritomo Miyata secured his first-ever FIA Formula 2 win with a commanding performance in the inaugural Madrid Sprint Race on Saturday. Starting from second on the grid, the Hitech Pulse-Eight driver seized the lead into Turn 1 and expertly managed two Safety Car restarts to cross the finish line more than two and a half seconds ahead of the field.

    Fittipaldi Scores Maiden Podium in Runner-Up Finish

    Polesitter Emerson Fittipaldi lost the lead at the start but delivered a mature recovery drive to claim second place, earning his first Formula 2 podium for AIX Racing. The Brazilian held off sustained pressure from Laurens van Hoepen over the closing laps, with the Trident driver settling for a strong third place.

    Top Eight and Championship Implications

    Campos Racing’s Noel León finished fourth, ahead of Rodin Motorsport’s Martinius Stenshorne in fifth. A season-long battle between Ferrari Driver Academy member Rafael Câmara (Invicta Racing) and Rodin’s Alex Dunne saw the Brazilian hold on for sixth, while home favorite Mari Boya rounded out the points in eighth for Campos Racing.

    Looking ahead to Sunday’s Feature Race, Dino Beganovic will start from pole position alongside Alex Dunne on the front row.

    For a comprehensive breakdown of every incident and sector time, read the full Sprint Race report on the official FIA Formula 2 website.

  • Colton Herta’s 2026 Season Deteriorates: Two Off-Track Excursions, Mechanical Breakdown at Monza

    Colton Herta’s 2026 Season Deteriorates: Two Off-Track Excursions, Mechanical Breakdown at Monza

    Colton Herta’s Formula 2 campaign has deteriorated significantly, with his weekend at Monza serving as the starkest illustration of his struggles. The former IndyCar frontrunner joined the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a test and development driver for 2026 and moved to F2 to prepare for a potential graduation to the world championship. However, the transition has proven difficult. Lacking experience with Pirelli tires and unfamiliar with the circuits, Herta sits a disappointing 17th in the standings after 10 rounds.

    Qualifying Woes and Practice Crash at Monza

    Over the course of the season, the Hitech GP driver has qualified inside the top 12 only once. Monza marked a new low, with Herta qualifying 20th, more than a second off the pace. The difficulties extended beyond raw speed. During the sole F2 practice session, he crashed after putting two wheels in the gravel at the exit of Lesmo 2, spinning into the inside wall.

    Cadillac FP1 Outing Cut Short by Mechanical Issue

    Herta then participated in Formula 1 FP1 for Cadillac to fulfill the team’s rookie running requirements. His session ended prematurely after just one push lap when the MAC-26 suffered a suspected hydraulic failure. The 20th-place result in F2 qualifying later that day compounded a troubled Friday.

    Herta Feels “More Comfortable” in F1 Machinery

    This was Herta’s third FP1 appearance, and he reported feeling “a lot more” comfortable in the Cadillac. He explained the progression:

    “You know, just kind of having that little bit of knowledge about what the car wants, or what the car needs, how it wants to be driven,” he explained.

    “All these cars have tiny differences that make them click. I’m driving and trying to find that, so having a bit more knowledge of what the car likes to do is a big help, it makes me feel more comfortable.

    When you only have an hour, it seems like, literally when you’re inside the car and everything’s happening, everything’s happening so quick. It seems like you’re in there for five minutes, so you get out and you’re instantly like, ‘Oh I should have done this’ or ‘I should have done that’.

    I think everybody would say if they get a second chance at anything when they’re driving they would do better, and for sure for me it probably would have been a pretty big step.”

    Weekend Ends with Early Feature Race Exit

    Herta recovered to 15th place in Saturday’s sprint race, but his feature race ended on lap 11 after he beached the car in the gravel at the exit of Parabolica while running 21st.

    Championship Hopes Effectively Over

    As a result, Herta remains stuck on 26 points with just one top-12 finish in the last 10 races. He trails championship leader Nikola Tsolov by 151 points with only 156 points available across the final four rounds, effectively eliminating him from title contention. Even a top-10 finish in the standings now appears a tall order, sitting 37 points adrift.

    Uncertain Path to a 2027 F1 Seat

    Regarding his Formula 1 ambitions, Herta remained direct:

    “What I want to do is I want to get to Formula 1 and I want to get there as fast as possible,” Herta said. “How realistic that is, I have yet to be told or know.”

    Given the current trajectory, a 2027 F1 drive looks increasingly unlikely.

    Colton Herta, Hitech GP. Photo by: James Sutton / Formula 1 / Formula Motorsport Ltd via Getty Images