Formula 2 moves to the supporting program of Formula 1 after the race cancellations in Miami and Montreal in April – no make-up dates for other series
The FIA has found a replacement for the two canceled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia – at least in Formula 2. The top junior series below the premier class, which would have been part of the Formula 1 supporting program on both weekends, will now make up for the two events in Miami and Montreal.
Without the two make-up races, Formula 2 would otherwise have had a break of three months between the season opener in Melbourne at the beginning of March and the second round of the season in Monaco at the beginning of June. In addition, the calendar would have dropped from 14 to twelve weekends.
“Although it was not possible to hold the two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this month – and we look forward to being back with our passionate fans there as soon as possible – it is great news for our fans, the drivers and the teams that Formula 2 will be racing in Miami and Montreal,” said Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali.
“Bruno and the entire F2 family have done a great job working closely with us, the FIA and the promoters in Miami and Montreal to ensure that we limit the break in racing in this season’s championship.”
“It will be fantastic to resume racing in a few weeks’ time and to have Formula 2 alongside Formula 1 when we return to the USA for the first time this season,” said the Italian.
First F2 races in North America
For Formula 2, it will be the first trip to the North American continent. While none of the traditional support series are on the program in Miami, the championship in Canada will share the support series with the F1 Academy, which could make for a tight schedule.
In addition to practice and qualifying, it was recently announced that the women’s series will hold three races over the weekend – Formula 2 will run a sprint race and a main race in addition to practice and qualifying.
“Bringing the championship to North America for the first time via Miami and Montreal marks an important step in its continued global growth, strengthening the path alongside Formula 1 and reaching new audiences,” said FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem. “I thank all those who have worked tirelessly to make these race weekends possible.”
“Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the ongoing events in the Middle East and we continue to hope for an early return to stability. We look forward to racing in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia again very soon.”
What canceled races would have meant
It was important for Formula 2 to compensate for the canceled events – even if the trip to North America was likely to drive up costs. This is because, unlike in Formula 1, drivers in the junior series have to pay money to be allowed to drive for the teams.
In Formula 2, this can be more than three million euros, depending on the cockpit. Drivers at this level are dependent on sponsors, and many who are not in a Formula 1 academy have to find them themselves – and fewer races naturally mean less value for money. And potentially trouble with the sponsors.
“Following the necessary calendar changes at the start of the season, the addition of these new rounds ensures that the Formula 2 championship remains strong and balanced and can deliver for our teams, drivers and fans,” Sulayem emphasizes.
No replacement in F1, F3 and F1 Academy
The only difference is that this does not apply to Formula 3. The series will not be replaced for the canceled weekend in Bahrain and will only return for the Monaco Grand Prix. Its calendar will therefore drop from ten to nine weekends.
The F1 Academy will not be affected by the cancellations, as it would not have been part of the supporting program in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia anyway.
In Formula 1, there will also be no make-up dates for the race-free April, even if those involved will have to accept some financial losses. With 22 races, the TV contracts will still be fulfilled, and there is simply not enough space in the calendar for an additional race in the fall.