F1 Academy Announces New Weekend Format

After their kick off at the Shanghai Grand Prix this season, F1 Academy has announced the introduction of a new three-race weekend format for two Grands Prix during the 2026 season. Due to the cancellation of the Saudi Grand Prix which would have been Round 2 of the season, F1 Academy has come up with a solution to supplement the missed race and provide the girls with more racing experience and another chance to prove their skills on track. This brings the 2026 season back up to 14 races for the F1 Academy grid.

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What is the new format?

The format introduces a new concept called the ‘Opening Race’. This addition to the race weekend will provide a strategic opportunity for the drivers as it ensures more on-track action for the fans and more data to be collected by the teams.

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Susie Wolff, the Managing Director of F1 Academy said,:

“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.”

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The Opening Race will be the first opportunity for the girls to fight for championship points. The grid will be set using the driver’s second fastest qualifying time, which introduces a new strategic element by putting the pressure on the drivers to produce two perfect laps. This creates a more competitive atmosphere and leaves room for mistakes which can help shake up the grid even more.

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Delphine Biscaye, the Head of Race Operations stated that,:

“By setting the grid using each driver’s second fastest qualifying time, we’re adding another layer of strategy to the weekend.”

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Full points will be awarded and will be allocated to bother the Drivers’ and Teams’ standings. One point will be awarded for the Fastest Lap but like Formula 1, there will be no points awarded for securing Pole Position. 

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Where will the three races take place?

The Sporting Regulations have been updated to accommodate an Opening Race during select rounds when it is necessary to maintain consistency in race count or make use of additional track time at an event.

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Delphine Biscaye also went on to say,:

“This approach also provides the flexibility to replace a postponed race if needed and allows us to make the most of any additional track time available on the Grand Prix weekend schedule.”

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The Opening Race format will be formally introduced at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal which is Round 2 of the 2026 season, and it will make a comeback again at the United States Grand Prix in Austin which is Round 5. 

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