North American Expansion: Formula 2 to Race in Miami and Montreal in 2026
A new chapter is about to unfold in the world of motorsport as the FIA Formula 2 Championship prepares to make its North American debut on two of the continent’s most iconic racing weekends. Starting in 2026, the feeder series that has produced many current Formula 1 stars will venture beyond the European heartland and take on the streets of Miami and Montreal, two cities that have become favorites among F1 fans worldwide.
Formula 2’s scheduled appearance on the Miami and Canadian Grand Prix weekends represents a significant shift both for the series and for North American racing fans. The move will provide young drivers with additional exposure to tracks and conditions outside Europe and Asia, representing a true test of adaptability. For American and Canadian fans, the F2 races will offer a rare glimpse into the next generation of racing talent—future F1 champions honing their craft amidst the electric atmosphere of a grand prix weekend.
Organizers are touting the 2026 Miami and Montreal rounds as milestones for both the championship and its drivers. These events will bring the F2 grid directly before North American audiences, enhancing the sport’s appeal as Formula 1’s popularity continues to boom on the continent. Notably, the addition of these rounds means US and Canadian fans can witness up-and-coming stars like those who recently transitioned from F2 to F1, such as Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant, in their last steps before the big league.
The Miami Grand Prix, held on a vibrant and challenging street circuit around Hard Rock Stadium, has quickly become a high-voltage fixture for Formula 1. Its inclusion in the F2 calendar promises a fresh challenge for the championship’s aspiring stars. Miami’s combination of tight corners, long straights, and unique atmosphere will not only test the drivers’ skills but will also enhance the spectacle for fans who crave drama and unpredictability. Montreal’s legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with its wall of champions and ever-present chance of rain, serves as an iconic proving ground—having watched legends from Michael Schumacher to Lewis Hamilton achieve glory. The addition of an F2 race there will undoubtedly add yet another layer of intrigue to a weekend already known for thrilling unpredictability.
The expansion reflects Formula 2's global ambitions, acknowledging the surging interest in single-seater racing in North America, particularly in the wake of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” and the emergence of a new generation of young, diverse fans. It offers more opportunities for American and Canadian talent to shine in front of a home crowd, perhaps helping to cultivate the next North American F1 superstar. For the teams, it presents logistical and strategic challenges—managing transatlantic transport and setup in different time zones—but also a platform for broader sponsorship exposure and stakeholder engagement.
The decision was met with enthusiasm by key stakeholders. F2 CEO Bruno Michel expressed his excitement, emphasizing that appearing on new continents is critical for the championship’s evolution and aligns perfectly with F1’s global push. Canadian and American motorsport communities are already abuzz—local racing programs are keen to see their protégés compete on home soil, while fans are eager to welcome a new level of competition alongside their favorite F1 heroes.
Beyond the immediate sporting benefits, these additions are likely to have a long-term impact on the development of junior racing both in North America and worldwide. Young drivers will now experience the unique challenge of street and semi-permanent circuits in a pressure-cooker environment, giving them crucial preparation for the demands of Formula 1. Fans attending the Miami and Montreal weekends will be treated to double the excitement, with two full grids of innovation, ambition, and wheel-to-wheel drama chasing racing immortality.
In summary, the 2026 inclusion of Miami and Montreal on the FIA Formula 2 calendar is a strategic leap forward, both for the series and for fans hungry for even more world-class racing. With these events, F2 will not only crown the next generation of champions but also bring North America harmoniously into the heartbeat of the global motorsport community.
