Formula 2 adds North American rounds in 2026 calendar reshape

Formula 2 will race in North America for the first time in 2026, replacing two cancelled Middle Eastern rounds with events in Miami and Montreal. The move ensures the championship maintains its planned 14-race schedule and aligns with Formula 1 at two of its most prominent Grands Prix.

Why it matters:

This strategic pivot represents a significant expansion for the F1 feeder series, giving its drivers and teams a crucial new stage in a key motorsport market. It underscores the series' agility in managing disruptions while pursuing long-term growth ambitions.

The details:

• The cancelled rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, originally scheduled for April, were called off due to regional events.
• The replacement rounds are Miami (May 1-3) as Round 2 and Montreal (May 22-24) as Round 3.
• Series CEO Bruno Michel stated this North American expansion was a long-held ambition, welcomed with enthusiasm by teams and drivers.
• FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the changes ensure the championship remains "strong and balanced" for competitors and fans.
• Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted the move as "great news" for fans, drivers, and teams, expressing a desire to return to the Middle East in the future.

What's next:

While Formula 2 has secured its replacement events, the FIA Formula 3 Championship has yet to announce an alternative for its lost Bahrain round. Meanwhile, the all-female F1 Academy series has already adapted its format, planning three races at select rounds including Montreal and Austin later in the year.