FIA Confirms Replacement Races as Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs Are Cancelled
By Hugo Harvey | April 11, 2026
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially confirmed a revised race calendar following the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, introducing significant changes across its feeder series to maintain competitive balance and global engagement.
In a decisive move to stabilize the 2026 racing calendar, the FIA announced that the Formula 2 Championship will now feature at both the Miami Grand Prix and Canadian Grand Prix. These additions mark a historic milestone, as it will be the first time the championship races on North American soil.
The Miami round, set to take place at the Miami International Autodrome from May 1–3, will now serve as the second round of the F2 season. This will be followed by the third round at the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal from May 22–24.
This restructuring ensures that the momentum of the season is not lost following the disruptions in the Middle East. It also aligns with Formula 1’s broader strategy of expanding its footprint in North America, a region that has seen a surge in fan engagement in recent years.
The Canadian Grand Prix weekend, in particular, is shaping up to be a standout event on the calendar. Fans attending in Montreal will be treated to a packed schedule, with both Formula 2 and the F1 Academy sharing the stage alongside Formula 1. The inclusion of F1 Academy adds an additional layer of significance, as the all-female series continues to push for greater visibility and inclusivity within motorsport.
Originally slated to race in Jeddah, the F1 Academy has also undergone calendar adjustments. To compensate for the lost round, the FIA has implemented a three-race weekend format for select events, including Montreal and Austin. This format is expected to increase track action and provide more competitive opportunities for drivers in the development series.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.
“Following the necessary changes to the calendar at the start of the season, the addition of these new rounds ensures the FIA Formula 2 Championship remains strong and balanced, and able to deliver for our teams, drivers and fans,” Ben Sulayem stated.
He further highlighted the strategic importance of expanding into North America, noting that it strengthens the developmental pathway to Formula 1 while connecting the sport with new audiences. The FIA president also extended his thoughts to those affected by the ongoing issues in the Middle East, expressing hope for stability and a future return to racing in the region.
On the sporting front, the revised calendar arrives at a time when the championship battle is beginning to take shape. Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov currently leads the standings with 25 points after a strong opening round in Melbourne. He holds a seven-point advantage over Brazilian contender Rafael Câmara, setting up an early-season rivalry that could define the campaign.
However, while the additional races present an opportunity for drivers to accumulate crucial points, they also introduce complex scheduling dilemmas none more so than for American driver Colton Herta.
Herta, who made the bold decision to step away from IndyCar competition to pursue a Formula 1 career, is currently focused on earning the required 40 FIA Super Licence points through his participation in Formula 2. The newly added Canadian round, however, clashes directly with the legendary Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 24.
The timing creates a significant career crossroads for Herta. Having been linked with a potential return to the Indy 500 with Andretti possibly as part of a fourth entry he must now weigh the prestige of competing in one of motorsport’s most iconic races against the strategic necessity of securing his Formula 1 ambitions.
If Herta remains committed to his F1 trajectory, prioritizing the Canadian Formula 2 round may be the logical choice, as every point earned brings him closer to eligibility for the pinnacle of motorsport.
Ultimately, the FIA’s swift response to the calendar disruptions demonstrates both flexibility and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of its championships. While the absence of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is a notable loss, the introduction of new venues and expanded race weekends ensures that the 2026 season continues to deliver excitement, opportunity, and global reach.
With North America now playing a more prominent role in the development ladder, the coming months promise to be pivotalnot just for the championship standings, but for the future stars aiming to break into Formula 1.