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F1 Academy Adds Third Race at Montreal and Austin to Restore 14-Race Season

The tweak preserves race count by using each driver's second-fastest qualifying lap to set a new grid.

Overview

  • F1 Academy, the all-female support series to Formula One, will run three-race weekends in Montreal and Austin to offset the loss of its Saudi Arabia round.
  • The new Opening Race will award full championship points and use each driver's second-fastest qualifying lap to set the grid, so no extra qualifying is needed.
  • The schedule change keeps the season at 14 races despite fewer event weekends, with Montreal now the second round in May and Austin set as the fifth stop in October.
  • Series leaders framed the move as a way to increase meaningful track time and keep sporting integrity intact, while also giving the championship flexibility to replace any postponed races.
  • Media reports suggest Formula 2 may join the Canadian Grand Prix support bill, though F2 says it is still working on options and has not confirmed a Montreal debut.