EXPLAINED: What is the ‘Opening Race’ and new three-race F1 ACADEMY weekend format?

F1 ACADEMY is shaking up selected race weekends with a brand new three-race format hitting the track soon.

Here’s everything to get you up to speed on the exciting addition with all you need to know about how it works, why it is being introduced and how the new points on offer could shake up the title fight.

WHAT IS CHANGING?

A three-race format has been introduced for select events in 2026 and beyond. As a result, a new Opening Race has been added, restoring the season to 14 races following the confirmation that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place in April.

The races are also being rebranded, with Race 1 now being called the Reverse Grid Race and Race 2 becoming the Feature Race.

WHAT ROUNDS WILL IT APPEAR AT?

Fans at Montreal will be the first to see the new format as it debuts at Round 2 followed by a bumper weekend of on-track action at Round 5 in Austin. It won’t be used everywhere this season, with Silverstone, Zandvoort and Las Vegas remaining unchanged.

WHY IS IT BEING INTRODUCED?

Adding the Opening Race is an exciting evolution for F1 ACADEMY. If a race earlier in the season is postponed, this format makes it easier to maintain a consistent number of races. It also means drivers get more competitive track time by utilising available opportunities for running across a Grand Prix weekend — great news for fans watching at the circuit or at home!

HOW WILL THE OPENING RACE WORK?

As the name suggests, the Opening Race will lead the weekend, followed by the Reverse Grid Race and the Feature Race.

Qualifying becomes a serious test of consistency, as each driver’s second fastest lap time will set the grid for the Opening Race. Being fast once won’t be enough, they’ll need to show their pace throughout the 30-minute session.

Should two or more drivers clock in identical times, the one who recorded theirs first will start ahead. Additionally, any penalty issued during Practice or Qualifying will apply across all three races.

HOW MANY POINTS WILL BE AWARDED ACROSS A THREE-RACE WEEKEND?

The Opening Race and Feature Race award the same number of points, with victory earning 25 points. Second place takes 18, 15 for third, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 point for the 10th-placed driver.

The Reverse Grid Race will continue to hand out points to the top eight, with the winner scoring 10 points, down to 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point for P8.

A point for the fastest lap will be available in all three races, as long as the driver finished inside the top eight in the Reverse Grid Race or in the top 10 in the Opening Race and Feature Race. However, only the driver who is shown in pole position on the final grid for the Feature Race will receive two points.

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HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE DRIVERS’ AND TEAMS’ STANDINGS?

The extra points on offer raise the stakes considerably and a single weekend can massively shake up the title fight. A driver can score a maximum of 65 points during a three-race weekend, while teams can net up to 145 points. In total, 247 points remain available for drivers across the five remaining rounds, with 548 on offer for the teams.

If two or more drivers are tied on points, the number of Feature Race wins will be used to break the deadlock. If they’re still equal, then the Opening Race victories will be used to break the tie followed by Reverse Grid wins.

HAS F1 ACADEMY HELD A THREE-RACE WEEKEND BEFORE?

Yes! For the inaugural F1 ACADEMY season, three races featured across every round of the 2023 campaign. The three-race format has also been used for the 2024 season finale at Yas Marina and last year’s debut in Montreal after their preceding races were called off.