The FIA has just shattered the traditional boundaries of the Formula 1 feeder series. In an unprecedented move announced this morning, April 9, 2026, Formula 2 will head to North America for the first time in history, adding three massive cultural and technical hubs to the 2026 tour.
This isn’t just a calendar update; it’s a strategic pivot to keep the championship alive after the sudden cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds earlier this month.
The North American Triple Threat
With a three-month gap looming in the schedule, F2 CEO Bruno Michel and the FIA have worked “strictly business” hours to secure a transatlantic bridge. The championship will now join the Formula 1 bill at three of the most high-octane venues in the Western Hemisphere.
1. Miami, USA (May 1–3)
The Venue: The Miami International Autodrome.
The Vibe: High-fashion, neon-soaked, and relentlessly commercial.
F2 making its debut in Miami is a monumental win for the sport’s American expansion. For drivers like Colton Herta (Hitech), this is a homecoming that brings the “Road to F1” directly to his doorstep. Expect the paddock to be as much about the “luxury moves” as the lap times.
2. Montreal, Canada (May 22–24)
The Venue: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The Vibe: A technical, wall-lined gauntlet that punishes the slightest hesitation.
Montreal is a driver’s track. For the F2 grid currently led by Nikola Tsolov after his dominant Feature Race win in Melbourne the “Wall of Champions” will be the ultimate litmus test of their F1 readiness.
3. Madrid, Spain (September 12–13)
The Venue: The All-New Madrid Street Circuit.
The Vibe: The future of European racing heritage.
While Miami and Montreal are immediate replacements for the Middle Eastern gap, the addition of Madrid later in the year represents the long-term evolution of the tour. This street circuit is designed to be the “Spanish Monaco,” blending high-speed urban sections with the prestige of a global capital.
The Strategic Pivot: R&D and Exposure
The decision to move F2 to North America isn’t just about filling dates; it’s a masterstroke for team budgets. As R&D costs for the 2026 engine transition soar, providing teams and sponsors with exposure in the lucrative US and Canadian markets is a vital offset.
- The Market Gap: Previously, F2 was largely invisible to North American fans until they reached F1. Now, brands like Invicta Racing and Prema have a direct line to US investors.
- The Logistics: To make this work, the FIA has optimized shipping routes, ensuring that the 2026 chassis known for its nimbler, more “alive” handling can be serviced and maintained during the long stint away from European bases.
The Revised 2026 “Early Season” Calendar
| Round | Location | Date |
| 1 | Melbourne, Australia | March 7–8 |
| 2 | Miami, USA | May 1–3 |
| 3 | Montreal, Canada | May 22–24 |
| 4 | Monte-Carlo, Monaco | June 6–7 |
