What is the "Opening Race" and new three-race F1 ACADEMY weekend format?

F1 ACADEMY is set to shake up selected race weekends with the introduction of a new three-race format from 2026 onwards. The change brings structural tweaks, fresh strategic complexity and a significant increase in points on offer — all of which could prove decisive in the title fight.

What is changing?

For select rounds in 2026 and beyond, F1 ACADEMY will adopt a three-race weekend format. A new Opening Race has been added to the schedule, restoring the season to 14 races following confirmation that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place in April.

• Race 1 becomes the Reverse Grid Race
• Race 2 becomes the Feature Race

The addition of the Opening Race expands the competitive running across affected weekends, creating more opportunities for drivers to score points.

Where will the new format appear?

The format will debut at Round 2 in Montreal, with fans at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve getting the first look in May. It will return at Round 5 in Austin, promising a bumper weekend of on-track action.

However, the three-race structure will not be used at every event this season. Silverstone, Zandvoort and Las Vegas will retain the existing format.

Why introduce a third race?

The addition of the Opening Race is positioned as an evolution for the championship.

If a race earlier in the season is postponed, the three-race format helps maintain a consistent total number of races. It also maximises available track time across a Grand Prix weekend, giving drivers more competitive running and offering fans — both at the circuit and watching remotely — additional racing action.

How the opening race works

The Opening Race will lead the weekend schedule, followed by the Reverse Grid Race and then the Feature Race.

Qualifying takes on added significance under the new structure. Each driver’s second-fastest lap time in the 30-minute session will determine the grid for the Opening Race. One standout lap will not be enough — drivers must demonstrate consistent pace.

If two or more drivers set identical times, priority goes to the driver who recorded the lap first.

Any penalties issued during Practice or Qualifying will apply across all three races.

Points breakdown across a three-race weekend

Both the Opening Race and the Feature Race award identical points:

• 1st – 25 points
• 2nd – 18
• 3rd – 15
• 4th – 12
• 5th – 10
• 6th – 8
• 7th – 6
• 8th – 4
• 9th – 2
• 10th – 1

The Reverse Grid Race continues to reward the top eight finishers:

• 1st – 10 points
• 2nd – 8
• 3rd – 6
• 4th – 5
• 5th – 4
• 6th – 3
• 7th – 2
• 8th – 1

A point for fastest lap will be available in all three races, provided the driver finishes inside the top eight in the Reverse Grid Race or inside the top 10 in the Opening and Feature Races.

Additionally, two points will be awarded to the driver shown in pole position on the final grid for the Feature Race.

What it means for the championship

The expanded format dramatically raises the stakes.

A driver can score a maximum of 65 points across a single three-race weekend, while teams can collect up to 145 points.

Across the five remaining rounds, 247 points remain available to drivers, with 548 still on offer for teams.

If drivers are tied on points at the end of the season, the tie-break will first consider Feature Race victories, followed by Opening Race wins, and then Reverse Grid wins if required.

With two full-length races awarding 25 points each, a single strong weekend now has the potential to significantly reshape both the Drivers’ and Teams’ standings.

Has F1 ACADEMY used this format before?

Yes. During the inaugural 2023 season, every round featured three races.

The format also appeared at the 2024 season finale at Yas Marina and at last year’s Montreal debut after preceding races were called off.

Its return in 2026 marks a strategic revival — one that could redefine how championships are won and lost over the course of the season.