- Apr 1
- 3 min read
F1 ACADEMY™ INTRODUCES THREE-RACE WEEKEND FORMAT
IN MONTRÉAL AND AUSTIN
Montréal, Québec – April 1st, 2026 – F1 ACADEMY™ has today announced the introduction of a new three-race weekend format for select events in 2026 and beyond, debuting at Round 2 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montréal, Canada, and returning at Round 5 at the Circuit of the Americas, Austin, USA.
The new format introduces a brand new ‘Opening Race’ and restores the 2026 calendar to 14 races, following confirmation that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will no longer take place in April.
The Opening Race brings a new strategic opportunity for teams and drivers while offering fans even more racing action. Sitting at the start of the series’ weekend racing schedule, it forms a dynamic trio of formats, alongside the Reverse Grid Race and the Feature Race.
The grid for the Opening Race will be set using each driver’s second fastest qualifying time, adding a tactical element to the sole 30-minute Qualifying session, where drivers must deliver not just one perfect lap, but two. The Opening Race will award full points and contribute to both the Drivers’ and Teams’ standings. One point will be awarded for the Fastest Lap, with no points awarded for Pole.
An update to the Sporting Regulations will allow the Opening Race to be added at selected rounds where possible, either to maintain consistency in race count across a season or to make use of additional available track time at an event.
The introduction of the Opening Race has been supported by close collaboration with the promoters in Canada and Austin, whose commitment to enhancing the race-weekend experience for fans and local communities has helpedshape the new format. It also reflects the series’ continued commitment to maintaining strong competitive track time for drivers and delivering an innovative experience for fans both at the circuit and at home.
Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY™, commented: “Introducing the Opening Race at select rounds underscores our commitment to building a platform where the most talented can thrive by maximising competitivetrack time. 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, whichwill deliver additional on-track action in Montreal and Austin and provide a compelling schedule for fans and drivers alike.”
Delphine Biscaye, Head of Race Operations, added; “The Opening Race gives us an opportunity to evolve the race weekend while protecting the sporting integrity of the series. By setting the grid using each driver’s second-fastest qualifying time, we’re adding another layer of strategy to the weekend. 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.”
ABOUT F1 ACADEMY™
Launched in 2023, F1 ACADEMY™ is an all-female single seater racing series created by Formula 1® to accelerate the identification and progression of female talent in motorsport, both on and off the track. Now in itsthird season, the series features 14 races across seven rounds, all held alongside the FIA Formula One World Championship™. Broadcast in over 160 territories by more than 35 broadcasters, F1 ACADEMY™ is also streamed live worldwide via its official YouTube channel and F1TV, bringing the next generation of female racing talent to a global audience.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Groupe de course Octane would like to take this opportunity to thank Société du parc Jean-Drapeau, Tourisme Montréal, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, Bell, all of our valued partners and sponsors, as well as our loyal fans.
To learn more and plan your experience, visit gpcanada.ca.
ABOUT GROUPE DE COURSE OCTANE
Montreal-based Canadian company Groupe de course Octane is the official promoter of the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA, under an agreement with Formula One Administration Limited and Formula 1 World Championship Limited (together the F1 marketing rights holder). In 2021, Bell acquired the activities of Groupe de course Octane, which operates as a stand-alone entity within the Bell group of companies.
Source : Groupe de course Octane
For more information :
PHIL VANDEN BRANDE | Vice-president, Partner and Executive Publicist, annexe media
+1 438 402 7391 | phil@annexe.media
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