The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has confirmed a reshuffle to the 2026 junior racing calendar, announcing two replacement rounds for the Formula 2 championship following the cancellation of races in the Middle East.
The decision comes after the planned Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were called off due to ongoing regional conflict. As a result, both Formula 1 and its support series were forced to abandon their scheduled events in April. While Formula 1 will continue with a reduced 22-race calendar, Formula 2 has been granted additional opportunities to maintain a balanced season.
To compensate for the lost rounds, the FIA has introduced two new races in North America. The championship will now visit Miami for the first time, racing at the Miami International Autodrome from May 1–3. Shortly after, the series will head to Montreal, competing at the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve from May 22–24. These events will now serve as the second and third rounds of the 2026 season.
The addition of these venues marks a significant milestone for Formula 2, as it expands into North America for the very first time. The move is seen as a strategic effort to grow the championship’s global footprint and strengthen its connection with Formula 1’s rapidly expanding fanbase in the region.
Fans attending the Montreal weekend can expect a packed schedule, with the F1 Academy also joining the lineup. Originally set to race in Jeddah, the all-female series has also been affected by the cancellations. In response, the FIA has introduced a revised format featuring three races per weekend at select rounds, including Montreal and Austin, to ensure the championship maintains its competitive structure.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the adjustments, emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of the championship. He stated that the inclusion of Miami and Montreal ensures the season remains “strong and balanced,” while also providing new opportunities for teams, drivers, and fans. He highlighted that expanding into North America represents a key step in the sport’s development and helps connect with new audiences.
At the same time, Ben Sulayem acknowledged the difficult circumstances behind the changes, expressing sympathy for those affected by the ongoing situation in the Middle East and voicing hope for stability to return soon.
On the track, the 2026 Formula 2 season has already begun, with Nikola Tsolov leading the drivers’ standings after the opening round in Melbourne. He holds 25 points, sitting seven ahead of his closest rival, Rafael Câmara.
However, the revised calendar presents a potential dilemma for Colton Herta. The American made the bold decision to leave IndyCar in pursuit of a Formula 1 future, aiming to secure the required 40 Super Licence points through Formula 2. With additional races now added, Herta faces a challenging yet crucial opportunity to boost his tally—but it also increases the pressure to deliver consistent results throughout the expanded schedule.
Overall, the FIA’s swift response ensures that Formula 2 remains competitive and relevant despite the disruption, while also opening an exciting new chapter for the series in North America.
