Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 CEO Bruno MichelCoach·Bruno Michel has articulated a clear ambition for the Circuit Gilles VilleneuveVenue·Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in MontrealVenue·Montreal to secure a permanent place on the championship calendar. This declaration follows the successful debut of Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 in North America, with MontrealVenue·Montreal hosting a round for the first time in the championship's history from May 22 to 24, 2026.
The inclusion of MontrealVenue·Montreal, alongside MiamiVenue·Miami, in the 2026 Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 schedule was a direct response to the cancellation of planned events in BahrainVenue·Bahrain and Saudi ArabiaVenue·Saudi Arabia, attributed to ongoing regional conflicts. This strategic pivot brought the feeder series to a new continent, a move that was met with considerable enthusiasm from teams and officials alike.
“Yes, I would like us to come here permanently,” Michel stated in an interview with Le Journal de Montreal. He elaborated on the differing impact of race cancellations on Formula 1 versus Formula 2. “For Formula 1, losing two races is not a major issue; it represents 10 percent of their season. But for us, it is a problem, as we have fewer starts.” Despite this challenge, the prospect of racing in North America generated significant excitement among the teams, according to Michel.
The expansion into North America was lauded by Formula 1 and FIA leadership. Stefano DomenicaliCoach·Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, described the addition of these rounds as "wonderful news for the fans, drivers, and teams." Mohammed Ben SulayemCoach·Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that "the addition of these new rounds ensures that the Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 championship remains strong and balanced" and represents "an important step in its continued global growth."
The MontrealVenue·Montreal Sprint race, held on May 23, 2026, provided ample drama and showcased the competitive spirit of the series. Noel LeonPlayer·Noel Leon of Campos RacingTeam·Campos Racing secured his maiden Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 victory in this event, a significant achievement that propelled him to fourth place in the drivers' championship standings. The race also saw a notable shift in the championship lead; Gabriele MiniPlayer·Gabriele Mini of MP MotorsportTeam·MP Motorsport ascended to the top of the standings, seven points clear of Nikola TsolovPlayer·Nikola Tsolov. Raphael CamaraPlayer·Raphael Camara of Invicta RacingTeam·Invicta Racing also moved ahead of Tsolov, holding a one-point advantage. Lawrence van HoopenPlayer·Lawrence van Hoopen of TridentTeam·Trident secured pole position for the main race in Canada, further highlighting the intense competition.
Campos RacingTeam·Campos Racing currently leads the team standings, with Invicta RacingTeam·Invicta Racing and MP MotorsportTeam·MP Motorsport closely following. The success of the MontrealVenue·Montreal event reinforces Michel's vision for a deeper integration into the Grand Prix weekend. “We are already discussing Canada being part of the Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 calendar, and perhaps Formula 3Competition·Formula 3 as well. We want to be a full part of the race weekend – four days and a serious presence in the city, as is the case with Formula 1.” This commitment underscores a strategic effort to elevate the profile and global reach of both Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 and Formula 3Competition·Formula 3.
Joshua Durksen (Invicta Racing) and Noel Leon (Campos Racing) during Formula 2 Canada in Montreal. DeFodi Images/IMAGO
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