The FIA has officially confirmed significant changes to the 2026 Formula 2 calendar, with two new races scheduled to replace cancelled events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. While no new Formula 1 races have been added, the premier feeder series will now feature as a support event at the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix in May, bringing the revised championship back to its planned 14 rounds.
Unprecedented Calendar Reshuffle
Conflict in the Middle East had immediately placed the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, originally scheduled for April, in serious jeopardy. It was subsequently confirmed that both events had been completely scrapped. While alternative locations were explored for Formula 1, the decision was ultimately taken not to substitute either race, reducing the F1 season calendar to 22 rounds. A different and more flexible strategy has been adopted for the Formula 2 championship, however.
Logistical Challenges and Strategic Solutions
The considerable logistical difficulties meant it was considered too significant an undertaking to fully arrange new Formula 1 events from the ground up with only a few weeks' notice. It has proven a far more straightforward process to arrange new Formula 2 events, as the necessary infrastructure will already be firmly established at the forthcoming Formula 1 races in Miami and Montreal. This pragmatic approach has allowed the FIA to maintain championship continuity.
It has now been formally announced that Formula 2 has been successfully included on the support programme for the Miami Grand Prix, occurring on the first weekend of May. Three weeks afterwards, Formula 2 cars will also be racing at the iconic Canadian Grand Prix circuit, before the journey back to Europe for the prestigious Monaco weekend in early June. Monaco will now, as initially scheduled, become round four of the season.
Leadership Comments on the Changes
FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem stated: "Following the necessary changes to the calendar at the start of the season, the addition of these new rounds ensures the FIA Formula 2 Championship remains strong and balanced, and able to deliver for our teams, drivers and fans." He added, "Bringing the championship to North America via Miami and Montreal for the first time marks an important step in its continued global growth, strengthening the pathway alongside Formula 1 and connecting with new audiences. I thank all those who worked tirelessly to make these rounds possible."
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali also weighed in, commenting: "While it has not been possible to go ahead with the two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this month, and we look forward to being back with our passionate fans there as soon as possible, it is great news for our fans, the drivers and the teams that Formula 2 will be racing in Miami and Montreal." He praised the collaborative effort, saying, "Bruno [Michel, F2 CEO] and the whole F2 family have done a great job, working closely with us, the FIA, and the Miami and Montreal promoters, to ensure we limit the gap in racing for the championship this season."
Current Championship Standings
In the sporting context, Bulgaria's Nikola Tsolov currently leads the early championship standings following the opening round, courtesy of his victory in the Melbourne feature race back in March, despite failing to register a single point in the sprint race the previous day. Great Britain's two representatives on the Formula 2 grid this year, John Bennett and Cian Shields, also drew a blank in Australia, leaving them with work to do as the season prepares to resume in North America.
This strategic calendar reshuffle underscores the FIA's commitment to maintaining a robust and competitive Formula 2 championship despite unforeseen geopolitical challenges, while simultaneously expanding the series' footprint into key North American markets alongside the global Formula 1 spectacle.
