F1 Academy to introduce three-race format at select 2026 events

The F1 Academy will debut a new three-race weekend format at select events in the 2026 season, starting with the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and returning later at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. This change aims to maximize competitive track time for the all-female series and follows the cancellation of its originally scheduled rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

Why it matters:

The introduction of a third race at key events represents a significant evolution for the F1 Academy, directly increasing the number of competitive sessions for its drivers. More track time is crucial for driver development, providing additional opportunities to learn circuits, refine racecraft, and gather data. This move signals the series' growing ambition and integration within the F1 weekend spectacle, aiming to offer a more compelling package for fans and stakeholders alike.

The details:

• The new format will feature an 'Opening Race', with the starting grid determined by each driver's second-fastest qualifying time, a rule designed to reward consistent pace.
• While no points are awarded for pole position, a bonus point will be available for the driver who sets the fastest lap during the Opening Race.
• Full championship points will be awarded across all three races, counting fully towards both the Drivers' and Teams' standings.
• F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff stated the change underscores a commitment to building "a platform where the most talented can thrive by maximising competitive track time" and elevating the race weekend experience.
• The announcement coincides with reported wider reviews of the F1 junior ladder calendars (F2 and F3), which also had their early-season Middle Eastern rounds cancelled, with potential replacements in Miami and Montreal being considered.

What's next:

The new three-race format will make its debut at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend in May. Its implementation at the Circuit of The Americas later in the season will provide further data on the format's success. This structural change, alongside potential calendar shifts for F2 and F3, indicates an ongoing effort to optimize the pathway to Formula 1 and enhance the support series offering for global audiences.