The FIA Formula 2 Championship is set to make a historic leap across the Atlantic, marking the first time the series will compete in North America. In a strategic shift to the 2026 calendar, officials have confirmed that Miami and Montreal will host the second and third rounds of the season, respectively, running alongside Formula 1 events.
This expansion comes as a response to necessary adjustments at the start of the season. The decision to bring the championship to the United States and Canada follows the announcement that the scheduled rounds in Sakhir, Bahrain, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will not seize place in April. By pivoting to North American venues, the FIA aims to maintain the momentum of the championship even as expanding its global footprint.
The official FIA Formula 2 announcement details a tight turnaround for the teams, who will head to Miami, USA, from May 1-3 for Round 2, followed by a trip to Montreal, Canada, from May 22-24 for Round 3. Following these two North American debuts, the series will return to Europe, with the next stop being the iconic streets of Monte-Carlo, Monaco, from June 4-7.
Strategic Calendar Shifts and the North American Debut
The introduction of Miami and Montreal to the F2 schedule represents more than just a logistical fix for the cancelled April dates in the Middle East. It is a calculated move to strengthen the connection between the feeder series and the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1, in a region where racing popularity continues to surge.
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, emphasized the importance of limiting the gap in racing for the drivers and teams. He noted that while the absence of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this month was regrettable, the addition of Miami and Montreal is “great news for our fans, the drivers and the teams.” Domenicali credited the work of Bruno Michel and the F2 organization in collaborating with the FIA and local promoters to ensure the championship remained balanced.
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Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, echoed this sentiment, stating that bringing the championship to North America marks an “important step in its continued global growth.” Ben Sulayem highlighted that this move strengthens the established pathway alongside Formula One, allowing the series to connect with entirely new audiences in the US and Canada.
The Role of Formula 2 in the FIA Global Pathway
For those new to the sport, the FIA Formula 2 Championship serves as the final critical step on the FIA Global Pathway driver development ladder. Introduced in 2017 as a rebranding of the GP2 Series, F2 is specifically designed to be the ultimate training ground for drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1.
To ensure that driver talent—rather than financial disparity between teams—is the deciding factor in success, F2 operates as a “spec series.” So every team is required to use identical hardware provided by official suppliers:
- Chassis: Designed and manufactured by the Italian firm Dallara.
- Engines: Supplied by Mecachrome.
- Tyres: Provided by Pirelli.
This standardized approach makes the series relatively affordable for teams and ensures a level playing field, forcing drivers to rely on their skill and technical feedback to find a competitive edge. While participation in F2 or its predecessor, GP2, is not a mandatory requirement for entering Formula 1, the vast majority of current F1 drivers have graduated through this system.
Current Landscape and 2025 Champions
As the series prepares for its 2026 North American venture, it does so on the heels of a competitive 2025 season. The 2025 Drivers’ Championship was won by Leonardo Fornaroli, racing for Invicta Racing. In a dominant display of organizational strength, Invicta Racing also secured the 2025 Teams’ Championship. This marks a significant achievement for the outfit, placing them alongside Prema Racing as the teams with the most titles in the championship’s history, with both holding two titles each.
The 2026 season will see 22 drivers and 11 teams compete for the title. The shift to North America will test these teams’ logistical capabilities, as they move from the Americas back to the European circuit in early June.
2026 North American Schedule Overview
| Round | Location | Dates | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 2 | Miami, USA | May 1-3, 2026 | First F2 race in North America |
| Round 3 | Montreal, Canada | May 22-24, 2026 | Second F2 race in North America |
What This Means for the Sport
The expansion into Miami and Montreal is a signal of the FIA’s intent to globalize the feeder system. By aligning F2 more closely with F1’s North American presence, the FIA is creating a more visible pipeline for talent. For the drivers, racing in these environments provides exposure to different track conditions and high-pressure atmospheres that mirror the challenges they will face in the top tier of motorsport.
the ability of the championship to pivot its calendar in response to the unavailability of Sakhir and Jeddah demonstrates the flexibility of the current F2 management. By filling the gap in the April/May schedule, the FIA ensures that the drivers do not suffer a prolonged hiatus, which could negatively impact their form and development.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the championship will be the return to Europe for the Monte-Carlo round in Monaco, scheduled for June 4-7, 2026.
Do you reckon the move to North America will help discover more US and Canadian talent for Formula 1? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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