F1 support series set for Canada debut after Middle East race cancellations

The Formula 1 support roster for the Canadian Grand Prix is set to grow further, Crash.net understands, with Formula 2 expected to make its Montreal debut alongside a new three-race format for F1 Academy. 

The war in Iran and the wider Middle East resulted in the cancellation of both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix weekends, with F2 losing out on two weekends' worth of running, while both F3 and F1 Academy saw one event drop from the schedule.

While F1 Academy has announced a new weekend format that will be utilised in Canada and Austin, there has been no official confirmation of plans for either F2 or F3, but Crash.net has learned that F2 is set to make its Montreal debut, expanding the already tightly packed support bill at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Given the Canadian Grand Prix runs on the same day as the Indianapolis 500, it is highly likely that Hitech TGR driver Colton Herta would need to pull out of his rumoured IndyCar return with Andretti.

Crash.net understands that any other additions to the calendar would also be flyaway rounds, with Zandvoort the only European event on the slate that F2 does not currently run at.

A spokesperson for F2 told Crash.net: "We are working on different options regarding the 2026 F2 and F3 calendars. As previously stated, we will share further information in due time."

F1 Academy expands Canada programme

F1 Academy has made a significant change to its Sporting Regulations in order to alter the schedule in both Canada and Austin, while future-proofing the series from further changes to the calendar. 

Adding an 'Opening Race' to the schedule, the weekend will now see drivers compete in three races, with the grid set using the second fastest times from qualifying. Full points will be awarded for the race and the fastest lap, but not for securing pole position.

While there remain fewer rounds on the calendar than originally planned, the race count for the season returns to 14 with the changes. 

“Introducing the Opening Race at select rounds underscores our commitment to building a platform where the most talented can thrive by maximising competitive track time," said F1 Academy Managing Director, Susie Wolff.

"As F1 Academy continues to grow on and off the track, I am continually looking for ways to elevate our race weekends. I’d like to thank our promoters for their support and enthusiasm for this dynamic new format, which will deliver additional on-track action in Montreal and Austin and provide a compelling schedule for fans and drivers alike.”