Formula 2 considers adding Miami and Canada races after early-season cancellations

Formula 2 is in active discussions to add races in Miami and Canada to its 2024 calendar, following the cancellation of its opening rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. A decision on the potential expansion is expected imminently, with the series aiming to fill a significant gap in its schedule and provide crucial track time for its young drivers.

Why it matters:

The early-season cancellations created a problematic two-month gap for F2 drivers between the final pre-season test and the next confirmed round in Australia. For a development series where consistent racing is key to driver progression and team data collection, such a long hiatus is far from ideal. Adding races in North America would not only solve this logistical issue but also increase the series' footprint in key commercial markets.

The details:

• GPblog reports that discussions were held Tuesday to finalize plans for F2 to race at the Miami International Autodrome and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.
• It remains unclear whether the series will attempt to add both events or select just one location. Both F1 Grand Prix weekends have the operational capacity to accommodate the F2 paddock.
• The move is considered essential, as without additional rounds, the championship would not race between early March and late June after the Australian Grand Prix weekend.
• A race in the United States would be a notable opportunity for American driver Colton Herta, allowing him to compete on home soil as he transitions from IndyCar.
• The Formula 3 championship, which only lost its Bahrain round, is also reportedly being considered for a potential addition at one of these North American circuits, though running both F2 and F3 at both venues is seen as logistically and financially challenging.

What's next:

An official announcement from the FIA and Formula Motorsport Limited (FOM) is expected shortly. The final decision will hinge on logistical agreements with the respective Grand Prix promoters and the teams' capacity to manage the additional travel and costs. If approved, these additions would reshape the early part of the F2 season and provide a critical solution to the calendar's unexpected void.