"VAN" (Sports Desk - 02.04.2026) :: F1 ACADEMY™ has today announced the introduction of a new three-race weekend format for select events in 2026 and beyond, debuting at Round 2 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada, and returning at Round 5 at the Circuit of the Americas, Austin, USA.
The new format introduces a brand new ‘Opening Race’ and restores the 2026 calendar to 14 races, following confirmation that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will no longer take place in April.
The Opening Race brings a new strategic opportunity for teams and drivers while offering fans even more racing action. Sitting at the start of the series’ weekend racing schedule, it forms a dynamic trio of formats, alongside the Reverse Grid Race and the Feature Race.
The grid for the Opening Race will be set using each driver’s second fastest qualifying time, adding a tactical element to the sole 30-minute Qualifying session, where drivers must deliver not just one perfect lap, but two. The Opening Race will award full points and contribute to both the Drivers’ and Teams’ standings. One point will be awarded for the Fastest Lap, with no points awarded for Pole.
An update to the Sporting Regulations will allow the Opening Race to be added at selected rounds where possible, either to maintain consistency in race count across a season or to make use of additional available track time at an event.
The introduction of the Opening Race has been supported by close collaboration with the promoters in Canada and Austin, whose commitment to enhancing the race weekend experience for fans and local communities has helped shape the new format. It also reflects the series’ continued commitment to maintaining strong competitive track time for drivers and delivering an innovative experience for fans both at the circuit and at home.
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