The F2 Baku Qualifying session was incredibly interrupted by red flags. Despite this, Leonardo Fornaroli managed to put in a lap worthy of P2, prior to the interruptions. With the F2 Championship in Fornaroli’s reach, strong results are more essential than ever.
In a post-Qualifying Press Conference attended by Pit Debrief, Fornaroli explained his first visit to Baku, and the emotions surrounding it. He also spoke on the interrupted Qualifying sessions, and how he manages them.
A valuable first set in F2 Baku Qualifying
The Baku City Circuit is notorious for the chaos it brings. The 2025 F2 Qualifying session was no exception to this. Due to this notion, Fornaroli described it to be “very important” to finish each lap you start. Thankfully for the Italian, his fit set was quick.
While he noted that he was happy with his car, he also acknowledged the struggle to find the limits. Being his first time in Baku, the limits took him a moment to find. Fornaroli has appeared quick since Free Practice, which allowed him to be confident heading into this Qualifying session.
“I mean, every session here in Baku is messy because it’s a track which is where it’s very easy to do a mistake. So it’s always very important to finish the lap you’re doing, even if it’s not like amazing, but just finish it because maybe it can be your last lap. And that’s what happened in the first set.
“We were able to be quick. I was very happy about the car. It was not easy to find the limits straight away also because it’s my first time here in this track. But since Free Practice, we’re looking quite strong. So I was confident for today’s Quali and I’m happy we were able to put everything together in only two laps.”
While the Italian can admit that there was more time to be found, he also remained happy with his lap. Little bits of margin remained in a few corners, and should the session have run without interruption, he may have been able to capitalise on them.
“I’m happy about my lap. There were a lot of good improvements compared to my first push lap and compared to free practise. But for sure, there is a little bit of margin in some corners. But anyway, I’m happy with the result.”
A representative from Pit Debrief questioned whether the session format at street circuits needs to be reevaluated, or whether the unpredictability is part of the challenge. He promptly responded that he is happy with the current format. Racing drivers need to be able to adapt, and sessions like this greatly assist the development of that skill.
“I think it’s okay like this. I mean, we’re racing drivers, and we have to adapt to everything. And also, you know, it’s good for us that in, how can I say, like such short-run plans, we have to put everything together to secure good results. So, it’s teaching us a lot for the future.”
Managing an interrupted session
Interrupted sessions like this Qualifying session are always managed uniquely, dependent on each driver. For Fornaroli, he noted it is always difficult to remained concentrated with all the red flags, and waiting in pit lane. Despite that, this is an aspect of racing that he has experienced in each category he has competed in. He further explained that he attempts to focus on himself.
Fornaroli also acknowledged that Baku is a rather long circuit, which means there are many corners for you to improve in. Each lap requires improvement. Due to this, he also uses red flags to speak with his engineer to find improvements and recenter his focus.
“Yeah, it’s always difficult to remain concentrating when, you know, there are a lot of red flags and you just sit in the pit lane waiting to restart again. But, you know, it’s through all the categories I’ve raced, it was happening very often. So with the experience, I learned how to deal with that.
“I just try to focus on myself, you know, the track is very long, there are a lot of corners that you can still improve. It’s a street circuit, so to get in the limit takes a bit of time. So every lap, you’re always improving. Also, you speak a bit with your engineer to see if there is something you can change in the car.”
Enjoying his first trip to Baku
When asked how he is enjoying his first trip to Baku, Fornaroli replied quite simply. He stated that he loves the track, and went on to explain the difference between Baku on the simulator and in real life.
“It’s amazing. I love this track. It’s in the simulator, it was looking very challenging and it is also in real life. I really enjoyed today and I hope I will enjoy also the next two days.”
Fornaroli was also asked about his favourite part of the circuit. While he acknowledged that the entire track is lovely, he finds turn 5 to turn 15 the most exciting. He enjoys the challenge that these turns bring, as well as the narrow nature of the castle section.
“Interesting. All the track is very nice, but I like a lot the section that starts with T5 and ends on T15 because it’s the most challenging part of the track. I mean, also the castle section is super narrow. You know, in the sim, it looks like another thing, but in real life, it’s amazing to do. So, I really like that part.”
In response to another question from Pit Debrief, Fornaroli explained that Baku is both fun and scary for him. While the high-speed nature is obviously enjoyable for any racing driver, the walls are also very close and intimidating.
“No, it’s a mix of both. It’s super funny, but also scary when you’re trying to do your best lap because, as Jak said, you go very close to the wall and also we have very high-speed corners where if you want to make the difference, you have to be very on the limit and the wall is right there to say hello to you.”
Title contention doesn’t affect his approach
Fornaroli currently leads the Formula 2 Championship from Luke Browning by 21 points. While this is an aspect that is in consideration each weekend, he confirms it doesn’t affect they way he approach any weekend.
“You know, the fact that I’m fighting for the title will not change my approach to the weekend. [Inaudiable] Same as always. So, try to score as many points as possible without exaggerating.”
The potential to beat Oscar Piastri’s 2021 records
Should Fornaroli win in Baku this weekend, he would set a new record for the longest streak of consecutive race weekend victories in F2 history. This record was previously set by Oscar Piastri in his 2021 F2 season. While this would be a great record to hold, Fornaroli will not focus on it.
“It will be a great record, but I mean, I will not focus on that. I will approach the races as always.”
Facing the prospect of taking a record from a driver of Oscar Piastri’s caliber is impressive as it is, but Fornaroli spoke on the other aspects of inspiration he takes from the Australian. Piastri’s 2021 F2 season was incredibly strong and consistent, creating a great basis for inspiration.
“Well, for sure, there is always something to learn from such a great driver like him. He was always very consistent, scoring points, always very quick in Qualifying, always doing the job, always starting in the fronts, like usual stuff you have to do to become a champion.”
