The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has confirmed a significant shake-up to the 2026 Formula 2 calendar, introducing two new race weekends in North America following the cancellation of events in the Middle East.
Earlier in the season, the planned rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were called off due to the outbreak of conflict in the region. These races, scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, were originally set to host the second and third rounds of the Formula 2 championship in April.
Formula 2 had already begun its 2026 campaign in Melbourne, supporting the Formula 1 season opener in Australia. However, the removal of the Middle Eastern rounds created a lengthy and problematic gap in the schedule, leaving teams and drivers without competitive action for nearly three months before the next planned event in Monaco.
In response, the FIA has acted quickly to revise the calendar, confirming that Formula 2 will now race in Miami and Montreal for the first time in its history. The championship will head to the United States for Round 2 at the Miami International Autodrome from May 1 to May 3, before travelling to Canada for Round 3 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve between May 22 and May 24.
These additions mark a historic milestone for the series, as it expands into North America for the very first time. Both rounds will take place alongside Formula 1 race weekends, ensuring continuity with the traditional F2 format of supporting the top tier of the sport.
According to an official FIA statement, the inclusion of Miami and Montreal was made possible by the unexpected availability in the calendar following the cancellations in Sakhir and Jeddah. The governing body emphasized that the move allows the championship to maintain momentum and minimize disruption to the season.
After the newly added North American races, the series will return to its European leg, beginning with the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix weekend at Circuit de Monaco in early June.
While Formula 2 has adapted its schedule, Formula 3 will not follow the same path. Instead, F3 is set to resume competition during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, maintaining its originally planned calendar despite the earlier disruptions.
FIA Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel expressed both disappointment and optimism following the changes. He acknowledged the importance of the cancelled Middle Eastern venues, noting that the championship values its relationship with both circuits and hopes to return when circumstances improve.
At the same time, Michel welcomed the opportunity to bring Formula 2 to new audiences. He highlighted that expanding into North America has long been a goal for the series and praised the collaborative effort that made the rapid calendar adjustment possible. He also extended thanks to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, as well as the FIA and race promoters in Miami and Canada, for their support in organizing the additional rounds at short notice.
Michel admitted that incorporating two new events into the calendar in such a limited timeframe was no easy task, but stressed that it was essential to keep the championship active and competitive. He added that teams and drivers have responded positively to the changes and are eager to take on the challenge of racing at unfamiliar circuits.
Looking ahead, Michel expressed confidence that the new venues will deliver exciting racing and provide fans with a fresh spectacle. The introduction of these rounds not only fills the gap left by the cancellations but also represents a bold step forward in the global expansion of Formula 2.
With a revised schedule now in place, the 2026 season is set to regain its rhythm, combining established European circuits with a landmark debut in North America.
