F1 Academy has confirmed a three-race weekend construction for particular rounds of its 2026 season.
The all-female racing collection will debut the expanded schedule in Montreal for the second spherical, earlier than bringing it again for the fifth spherical in Austin, Texas. The change has been launched in order that the season can proceed to include 14 races after the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian spherical in April.
Throughout the race weekends in Canada and the US, the ‘Opening Race’ will slot in alongside the reverse grid race and have race. The beginning grid will likely be decided by the drivers’ second-fastest qualifying time, so no further qualifying session will happen. Full championship factors will likely be on provide for the ‘Opening Race’.
“Introducing the Opening Race at choose rounds underscores our dedication to constructing a platform the place probably the most proficient can thrive by maximising aggressive monitor time,” F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff defined.
“As F1 Academy continues to develop on and off the monitor, I’m frequently in search of methods to raise our race weekends. I’d wish to thank our promoters for his or her assist and enthusiasm for this dynamic new format, which can ship further on monitor motion in Montreal and Austin and supply a compelling schedule for followers and drivers alike.”
Emma Felbermayr, Rodin Motorsport
Photograph by: Malcolm Griffiths / Components 1 by way of Getty Pictures
F1 Academy’s head of race operations Delphine Biscaye added: “The Opening Race offers us a possibility to evolve the race weekend whereas defending the sporting integrity of the collection. By setting the grid utilizing every driver’s second quickest qualifying time, we’re including one other layer of technique to the weekend.
“This method additionally supplies the pliability to exchange a postponed race if wanted and permits us to take advantage of any further monitor time obtainable on the Grand Prix weekend schedule.”
The second spherical in Montreal, Canada, will happen from 22-24 Could.
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