After the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, F1 Academy has announced the introduction of a three race weekend format for Round 2 and Round 5 of the 2026 Season.
Race Weekend Structure
The revised format will debut at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve before returning at the Circuit of the Americas. The change restores the calendar to 14 races following the removal of two races from Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April. The introduction of an “Opening Race,” will precede the existing Reverse Grid Race and Feature Race.
F1 Academy has had three races in a weekend before. In their inaugural season in 2023, three races featured across every round, while the three-race format has also been used for the 2024 season finale at Yas Marina. Additionally, Montreal also saw a three race weekend last year after the Miami Feature Race was cancelled due to severe weather.
Qualifying will now play an even more critical role. While a driver’s fastest lap still determines the Feature Race grid, the new Opening Race grid will be set using each driver’s second-fastest lap time. This forces drivers to deliver consistent pace across the full 30-minute session rather than relying on a single standout lap.
F1 Academy Points System
F1 Academy follows the same points system as F1, and these Opening Races will act as additional full points races. The Opening Race will award full championship points, matching the Feature Race with 25 points for a win. The Reverse Grid Race will continue with its reduced points system for the top eight finishers. A fastest lap point remains available in all races under specific conditions, and two additional points will still be awarded for pole position in the Feature Race.
The extra points on offer raise the stakes considerably. A single weekend in Canada or the United States can massively shake up the title fight, with a driver being able to can score a maximum of 65 points during the weekend. Additionally, teams can net up to 145 points. In total, 247 points remain available for drivers across the five remaining rounds, with 548 on offer for the teams.
Wolff’s Thoughts
Following the announcement, F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff had described the move as a natural evolution following the cancellation of Jeddah.
“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.”
Additionally, the additional race gives these young drivers a chance to develop further, with increased time on track. The format also provides flexibility for organisers, allowing additional races to be added where scheduling gaps or postponed events occur, ensuring the championship maintains a consistent race count of 14.
Current Championship Standing
Following the opening round of F1 Academy at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, Emma Felbermayr leads the standings with 31 points. After securing a victory in the Feature Race and a third place in the Reverse Grid Race, the Audi backed driver is six points clear of Alisha Palmowski in second. Nina Gademan slots in third after her victory in the Reverse Grid Race, while Payton Westcott is the highest placed rookie in fourth with 18 points.
F1 Academy will return for Round 2 in Montreal on the 22nd of May, 2026
Feature Image Credit: F1 Academy