F1 Academy has recently announced a new three-race weekend structure for certain rounds of the upcoming 2026 season. This change is a result of the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian round in April and is aimed at maintaining a total of 14 races in the season. The expanded schedule will debut in Montreal for the second round and will return for the fifth round in Austin, Texas.
The new format will include an ‘Opening Race’ alongside the reverse grid race and feature race during the race weekends in Canada and the United States. The starting grid for the ‘Opening Race’ will be determined by the drivers’ second-fastest qualifying time, eliminating the need for an additional qualifying session. Full championship points will be up for grabs in the ‘Opening Race’.
According to Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy, the introduction of the ‘Opening Race’ highlights the organization’s commitment to providing more track time for talented drivers to showcase their skills. This new format aims to enhance the race weekends and deliver additional on-track action in Montreal and Austin, providing an exciting schedule for both fans and drivers.
Delphine Biscaye, F1 Academy’s head of race operations, also expressed excitement about the new format, stating that it adds a layer of strategy to the weekends while maintaining the series’ sporting integrity. The flexibility of setting the grid with each driver’s second-fastest qualifying time allows for a potential replacement race if needed and maximizes track time during Grand Prix weekends.
The second round of the 2026 season will take place in Montreal, Canada, from May 22-24. This new weekend structure aims to provide an engaging and competitive environment for drivers and fans alike, reflecting F1 Academy’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in motorsport.
