F1 Academy and F2 Add Races, Verstappen Family Responds to Criticism, Engineer Proposes Super Clipping Fix

The F1 Academy and Formula 2 championships have moved to fill schedule gaps left by Middle East cancellations, while off-track drama flared as Max Verstappen's family defended him against public criticism. Separately, a former F1 engineer has proposed a technical simulation to address the persistent super clipping issues seen in early 2026-season races.

Why it matters:

These developments highlight the logistical agility of F1's support series and the intense, personal scrutiny facing top drivers. The calendar changes ensure crucial track time for junior drivers, while the public family defense of Verstappen underscores the pressure-cooker environment of modern F1. The proposed technical fix, if viable, could directly impact on-track competition by solving a recurring performance and strategy headache for teams.

The details:

• Schedule Reshuffle: To compensate for the cancelled rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, F1 Academy will introduce a three-race weekend format at the Canadian and United States Grands Prix.
  • The new 'Opening Race' will use each driver's second-fastest qualifying time, adding a tactical layer to the single qualifying session.
• Formula 2 Follows Suit: The F2 championship is also set to add rounds, with Miami and Canada expected to host extra race weekends, pending final approval.
• Family Fireback: Max Verstappen's mother-in-law, Sylvia Tamsma, publicly responded to criticism from 1996 World Champion Damon Hill on Instagram.
  • Tamsma suggested Hill was "too old to understand" that Verstappen was not alone in his complaints about the 2026 regulations and retirement hints, calling the singling out of the Dutch driver "quite nasty."
• Technical Proposal: Spanish engineer and pundit Toni Cuquerella, a former Ferrari and Sauber employee, shared a simulation proposing targeted power unit adjustments to eliminate super clipping.
  • His model suggests changes that would result in a top speed of approximately 328 km/h before braking, compared to the current expected 338 km/h under existing rules.

What's next:

The success of the expanded race weekends will be measured by their execution and reception from the teams and drivers. The public exchange between Hill and Verstappen's camp is a reminder of how driver opinions and external commentary can fuel off-track narratives. The engineering proposal for super clipping will likely be examined by teams and the FIA; its adoption would represent a significant mid-regulation cycle change aimed at improving racing consistency.