F1 ACADEMY introduces new three-race weekend format for Canada and Austin, Texas

A new era for F1 ACADEMY weekends

F1 ACADEMY has confirmed the introduction of a new three-race weekend format at select events from 2026 onwards, beginning at Round 2 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada, and returning at Round 5 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, USA.

The opening race: strategy and stakes

Positioned at the start of the weekend’s racing schedule, the Opening Race introduces a fresh strategic dimension for teams and drivers while delivering additional on-track action for fans.

The Opening Race will award full points towards both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Standings, with one point available for Fastest Lap. Notably, no points will be awarded for Pole position.

An update to the Sporting Regulations will allow the Opening Race to be added at selected rounds where feasible. This flexibility ensures consistency in race count across a season or enables the series to capitalize on additional available track time during a Grand Prix weekend.

Collaboration and competitive Focus

The format change has been developed in close collaboration with promoters in Canada and Austin. Their commitment to enhancing the race weekend experience for fans and local communities played a key role in shaping the initiative.

The move also reinforces the series’ emphasis on maximizing meaningful competitive track time while delivering an innovative spectacle for audiences both at the circuit and watching remotely.

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY, said: “Introducing the Opening Race at select rounds underscores our commitment to building a platform where the most talented can thrive by maximising competitive track time.

"As F1 ACADEMY continues to grow on and off the track, I am continually looking for ways to elevate our race weekends. I’d like to thank our promoters for their support and enthusiasm for this dynamic new format, which will deliver additional on track action in Montreal and Austin and provide a compelling schedule for fans and drivers alike.”

Delphine Biscaye, Head of Race Operations, added: “The Opening Race gives us an opportunity to evolve the race weekend while protecting the sporting integrity of the series. By setting the grid using each driver’s second fastest qualifying time, we’re adding another layer of strategy to the weekend. This approach also provides the flexibility to replace a postponed race if needed and allows us to make the most of any additional track time available on the Grand Prix weekend schedule.”

With its expanded structure and built-in adaptability, F1 ACADEMY’s new format signals a clear intent: more racing, greater strategic depth, and a strengthened competitive platform as the series continues to evolve.