Whilst Formula 1 will not reschedule rounds in its Middle Eastern leg, support series such as Formula 2, 3, and F1 Academy may seek alternatives in 2026.
Last week, the FIA confirmed that no racing would take place during April, with both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix cancelled amidst the war in the Middle East. In a statement, F1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali stated it was a difficult decision to make, while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised everyone’s safety was the top reason behind the cancellations.
It was also confirmed that the FIA would not replace either event, moving the 24-race calendar down to 22 for this upcoming season. However, for F1’s support series, the lines aren’t so clear.
Potential replacement rounds
While F1 will only be missing two races, the stakes are much higher for its feeder series. Formula 2 was scheduled to have four races across both race weekends. F1 Academy and Formula 3 were scheduled for two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia respectively. Alongside this, both F2 and F3 were set for their ever-important in-season testing in Bahrain, which was also cancelled.
In junior categories, drivers must continue to get running in their series, as they have limited learning time throughout a race weekend. With this extended break in the championship, drivers in F2 and F3 will have a three-month-long break, with the series resuming at the Monaco GP in June. F1 Academy, however, will return in May with the Canadian Grand Prix.
The official statement from the FIA stated that ” F2, F3 and F1 Academy rounds will not take place during their scheduled times.” This suggests all series’ may make adjustments if it is possible. Changes could include adding support races to different race weekends. Or even a weekend outside the scheduled calendar, for all three series to partake in.
Although there has been no official confirmation of any changes, fans have already begun speculating which tracks could host additional races for the feeder series.
But whilst we wait for official confirmations on the calendar changes, here are my suggestions for the rest of the season.
Miami Grand Prix: F1 Academy
The most logical addition for F1 Academy would be the Miami Grand Prix, which takes place in early May. For the past two season the series has raced there, producing enthralling battles for American motorsports fans to enjoy. Importantly, because the series has already ventured there, the FIA and series officials know that the proper infrastructure is in place to ensure the weekend can operate.
Meanwhile, for teams and drivers, the track’s familiarity can work in their favour in terms of racing. Drivers can revisit data from either themselves or predecessors, allowing them to get a sense of the track before heading into a sole practice session.
Additionally, this replacement makes the most sense for the rest of the calendar, as round three takes place in Montreal two weeks later. With both locations being on the same continent, transportation would likely be more straightforward for teams.
Overall, Miami stands out as one of the most convenient and practical options for F1 Academy, rather than dropping the already short series by one round.
Dutch Grand Prix: F2 & F3
On the other hand, the Dutch Grand Prix presents a strong case to host F2 and F3 again. Both categories previously raced at the iconic venue until it was cut from the calendar. Alongside this, it is a European circuit that many junior drivers have raced at in other single-seater competitions. This would ensure that both teams and drivers are familiar with the track’s layout and facilities.
Critically for F3, this weekend would be both the first and last ideal replacement. As the series only takes place over 10 rounds, the season closer in Madrid is fast approaching, following the European leg. Thus, Zandvoort is possibly the final viable option for an additional F3 round.
However, it is important to note that the Dutch Grand Prix already hosts a tight schedule. Featuring an F1 sprint, as well as an F1 Academy round. Thus, the inclusion of two more competitions would require extensive planning and changes to the schedule. But it is not impossible. After all, the British Grand Prix will be hosting F1, on a sprint weekend, F2, F3 and F1 Academy.
Despite these challenges, Zandvoort remains a highly realistic and strategically important option. Particularly because of its calendar placement and familiarity to teams and drivers.
Brazilian Grand Prix: F2
But for the final replacement for F2, I’ve chosen a more rogue, yet highly popular move. The Brazilian Grand Prix has never hosted a Formula 2 race in the series history. However, the idea of adding Interlagos to the calendar has gained significant traction amongst fans online.
The iconic track is highly regarded by many in the motorsports world, known for its counter-clockwise layout, unpredictable racing conditions, and rich history in the sport. It is a track that remains high on both fans’ and drivers’ bucket lists.
Beyond the circuit’s name and history, hosting an F2 race in Brazil would carry immense significance. There has always been an incredibly strong and passionate fan base for Motorsport in the South American region; however, it has intensified in recent years. With the likes of Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto making the step up into F1, the already passionate fans have had even more to cheer for.
But the South American talent also extends down to the feeder series, with reigning F3 champion, Brazilian Rafael Camara, stepping into F2 this season. Alongside him is fellow South American Joshua Durksen. Both drivers have openly discussed how important the support from their nations is; thus, a race near their home would truly be a reward for all the fans’ early morning wake-up calls.
Introducing a Formula 2 round at Interlagos would not only capitalise on this growing regional support but also deliver a thrilling on-track spectacle at a venue known for producing dramatic racing.
Ultimately, there have been no official confirmations of calendar changes for the series. Whilst it would be ideal to have replacement races, it may not be possible, forcing the drivers and teams to operate with fewer rounds. If changes do go ahead, the options above present extremely compelling solutions.
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