F1 Academy has confirmed a three-race weekend structure for specific rounds of its 2026 season.
The all-female racing series will debut the expanded schedule in Montreal for the second round, before bringing it back for the fifth round in Austin, Texas. The change has been introduced so that the season can continue to consist of 14 races after the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian round in April.
During the race weekends in Canada and the United States, the 'Opening Race' will slot in alongside the reverse grid race and feature race. The starting grid will be determined by the drivers' second-fastest qualifying time, so no additional qualifying session will take place. Full championship points will be on offer for the 'Opening Race'.
"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," F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff explained.
"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."
F1 Academy's head of race operations Delphine Biscaye 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."
The second round in Montreal, Canada, will take place from 22-24 May.
