F2 adds Miami, Montreal to 2026 calendar after Middle East cancellations

Formula 2 will race in Miami and Montreal for the first time in 2026, replacing the cancelled Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds. The historic move brings the F1 feeder series to North America, filling a gap in the schedule after geopolitical instability forced the season's second and third events to be called off.

Why it matters:

This marks a significant geographical expansion for Formula 2, which has historically been anchored in Europe and the Middle East. Adding North American rounds strengthens its alignment with the F1 calendar, exposes the championship's rising stars to crucial new markets, and ensures the season proceeds with minimal disruption despite the early cancellations.

The details:

• The revised calendar slots the Miami Grand Prix weekend (May 1-3) as Round 2 and the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (May 22-24) as Round 3.
• The cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were due to the ongoing conflict and instability in the Middle East, creating an immediate need to reschedule races.
• Organizers and F1 worked rapidly to secure the new venues, with the changes still subject to final approval by the World Motor Sport Council.
• The rest of the 14-round calendar remains intact, with the season still set to conclude in Abu Dhabi in early December.
• FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated the move ensures the championship remains "strong and balanced" and represents "an important step in its continued global growth."

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the logistical challenge of organizing two new race events on short notice. Teams and drivers, who welcomed the news, will prepare to tackle全新的 circuits in North America. While the series hopes to return to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia soon, the addition of Miami and Montreal could become a permanent fixture, expanding F2's global footprint. The season will now effectively begin in earnest in North America before heading to its traditional European heartland starting with Monaco in June.