FIA approve new race after F1 cancellations
By Hugo Harvey
April 3, 2026
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has confirmed a significant adjustment to one of its key junior racing series calendars, following the disruption caused by the cancellation of major Formula 1 events in the Middle East.
Both the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were called off amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, leaving a gap not only in the Formula 1 schedule but also impacting support series tied to those race weekends.
While the all-female F1 Academy was not scheduled to race in Bahrain this season, the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian round at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit created a shortfall in its 2026 race calendar.
In response, the FIA has acted swiftly to preserve the integrity of the championship by introducing two additional races to the season. Rather than adding entirely new venues, officials have opted for a structural change to selected race weekends already on the calendar.
The solution comes in the form of a newly introduced “opening race,” which will be added to specific events most notably during the Canadian Grand Prix and the United States Grand Prix weekends later this year.
Traditionally, an F1 Academy weekend consists of two races: a reverse grid race and a feature race. With the addition of the opening race, these selected weekends will now feature three races, effectively compensating for the lost Saudi Arabian round and ensuring the championship still comprises a full 14-race schedule.
This change has also been formally incorporated into the FIA sporting regulations, underscoring the governing body’s commitment to maintaining competitive balance and championship consistency despite external disruptions.
The format of the newly introduced opening race adds an intriguing strategic dimension. The grid will be determined by the drivers’ second-fastest laps in the standard qualifying session, rather than their outright fastest times. This means competitors must deliver not just one, but two high-quality laps to maximize their chances across the expanded race weekend.
Such a format introduces an additional layer of complexity, as drivers will need to carefully manage tyre performance, track evolution, and risk-taking during qualifying. A mistake on either of their top laps could now have consequences across multiple races, significantly raising the stakes.
Importantly, full championship points will be awarded for the opening race, making it a crucial opportunity for drivers to strengthen their title campaigns. With the championship expected to be tightly contested, these additional points-scoring opportunities could prove decisive as the season unfolds.
For fans, the change represents a major boost. Spectators attending the Canadian and United States Grands Prix will now be treated to three F1 Academy races across the weekend, offering increased track action and greater visibility for the rising stars of the series.
The Canadian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place between May 22 and 24, while the penultimate round of the season at the United States Grand Prix in Austin will run from October 23 to 25. Both events are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the championship battle.
As it stands, the 2026 F1 Academy season is still in its early stages, with only one race weekend completed so far at the Shanghai International Circuit during the Chinese Grand Prix.
That opening round has already provided an early glimpse into the competitive landscape. Nina Gademan of MP Motorsport claimed victory in the reverse grid race, earning the maximum 10 points available. However, a fourth-place finish in the feature race leaves her sitting third in the standings.
Leading the championship is 19-year-old Emma Felbermayr, who delivered an impressive performance to win the feature race in Shanghai. Her strong start has given her an early advantage in the title race, placing her six points clear at the top of the standings.
Close behind is Alisha Palmowski of Campos Racing, who remains firmly in contention as the season begins to take shape.
With the introduction of additional races and the evolving competitive dynamics, the 2026 F1 Academy campaign is poised to become even more unpredictable. The expanded race weekends not only compensate for lost events but also add fresh intrigue to a championship designed to showcase and develop the next generation of female racing talent.
In a season already impacted by global events beyond the sport’s control, the FIA’s proactive approach ensures that the championship remains both fair and compelling delivering more racing, more opportunities, and potentially more drama as the battle for the title intensifies.