F1 Academy has unveiled a new three-race weekend format for certain rounds of the 2026 season. This innovative schedule will be introduced in Montreal for the second round and will return for the fifth round in Austin, Texas. The adjustment was made to maintain a total of 14 races following the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian round in April.
The race weekends in Canada and the United States will now feature the addition of the ‘Opening Race’, alongside the reverse grid race and feature race. The grid for the ‘Opening Race’ will be determined by the drivers’ second-fastest qualifying time, eliminating the need for an extra qualifying session. This race will offer full championship points to the competitors.
Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy, expressed her excitement for the new format, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to providing a platform for talented drivers to showcase their skills. She thanked the promoters for their support in implementing this dynamic change, which aims to enhance the on-track action in Montreal and Austin.
Delphine Biscaye, F1 Academy’s head of race operations, highlighted the strategic element introduced by the ‘Opening Race’, which enhances the race weekend experience without compromising the series’ sporting integrity. This approach also allows for flexibility in case of postponed races and maximizes track time during the Grand Prix weekends.
The upcoming second round in Montreal, Canada, is scheduled to take place from 22-24 May. As F1 Academy continues to evolve both on and off the track, these changes promise to provide an engaging and competitive schedule for fans and drivers alike.
