The support category schedule for the Canadian Grand Prix is expected to expand further with an anticipated first appearance of Formula 2 in Montreal, accompanied by the F1 Academy women’s series.
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The support category schedule for the Canadian Grand Prix is expected to expand further, with an anticipated first appearance of Formula 2 on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, accompanied by a new three-race format for the F1 Academy.
The war in Iran and more broadly in the Middle East led to the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekends. Formula 2 thus lost two meetings, while Formula 3 and the F1 Academy each saw one event disappear from their calendar.
Herta and the 500 Miles
While the F1 Academy has already officialized a new format that will be used in Canada and Austin, with three rounds each time, no official confirmation has yet been given regarding F2 or F3. However, F2 is expected to make its debut on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which would thicken an already busy schedule.
Given that the Canadian Grand Prix takes place on the same day as the Indy 500, it is very probable that Colton Herta (Hitech TGR) will have to give up a potential return to IndyCar with Andretti on the last Sunday of May.
According to reports, any other calendar modification would concern rounds outside Europe, with Zandvoort being the only European event where F2 does not currently go. The option of doubling the North American trip with a race in Miami in addition to Montreal faces logistical considerations as time is running out to send equipment to Florida.
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An F2 spokesperson stated: “We are working on different options regarding the 2026 F2 and F3 calendars. As previously stated, we will communicate more information in due course.”
The F1 Academy expands its format
The F1 Academy has made a significant change to its sporting regulations to adapt its program in Canada and Austin, while anticipating potential future changes to the calendar.
With the addition of an “Opening Race”, weekends will now include three races. The grid will be determined from the second-best time in qualifying. Full points will be awarded for the race and the fastest lap, but not for pole position.
Despite a reduced number of rounds compared to the initial plan, the season’s total number of races returns to 14 thanks to these adjustments.
F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff explained: ” The introduction of the Opening Race at certain rounds highlights our commitment to providing a platform where talent can flourish by maximizing competitive track time.”
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