Formula 2 - Miami

The FIA Formula 2 Championship makes history in 2026 with its first race in North America. The Miami International Autodrome in the USA hosts this landmark event, bringing the premier single-seater feeder series to American soil. This marks a significant expansion for F2, which traditionally races in Europe, the Middle East, and other international venues. The Miami f2 race runs alongside the Formula 1 Grand Prix, giving fans a full weekend of open-wheel racing at this modern Florida circuit.

Circuit Characteristics

The Miami International Autodrome sits around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This temporary circuit stretches 5.412 kilometers (3.363 miles) and features 19 turns laid out in an anti-clockwise direction. The track runs across the stadium's parking areas, creating a hybrid design that combines street circuit sections with purpose-built segments.

The circuit offers three DRS zones and a mix of high-speed corners with long acceleration zones. Technical sections provide overtaking opportunities throughout the lap. South Florida's flat topography means the track has minimal elevation change, with just 3 meters of variation across the entire layout. The asphalt composition affects tire performance, which plays a crucial role in race strategy. The FIA has awarded this circuit a Grade 1 license, the highest certification for racing venues.

One unique feature is a section styled as a marina, complete with decorative boats and blue-painted asphalt. The stadium setting creates a distinctive atmosphere different from traditional racing circuits.

Race Weekend Format

The Miami f2 weekend follows the standard Formula 2 three-day structure. Friday begins with free practice, where drivers learn the circuit and test setup changes. The qualifying session follows, determining the grid for Sunday's Feature Race. The fastest qualifier earns two bonus points.

Saturday features the Sprint Race, which covers 23 laps (124.476 kilometers). The top 10 qualifiers start in reverse order, creating close racing from the opening lap. This race lasts approximately 45 minutes and awards points to the top eight finishers.

Sunday's Feature Race is the main event, running 32 laps (173.184 kilometers) over approximately one hour. This race requires a mandatory pit stop, adding strategy elements. Teams must manage tire degradation across the longer distance. Points go to the top 10 finishers, with an extra point for fastest lap if the driver finishes in the top 10.

2026 Championship Participants

The 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship features 11 teams and 22 drivers. Each team runs two cars with identical specifications, ensuring competition focuses on driver skill and team execution.

Team Lineups

Invicta Racing fields Rafael Câmara and Joshua Dürksen. Hitech TGR runs Ritomo Miyata alongside Colton Herta, who races on home soil at Miami. Campos Racing enters Noel León and Nikola Tsolov. DAMS Lucas Oil competes with Dino Beganovic and Roman Bilinski. MP Motorsport runs Gabriele Minì and Oliver Goethe.

Prema Racing fields Sebastián Montoya and Mari Boya. Rodin Motorsport enters Martinius Stenshorne and Alexander Dunne. ART Grand Prix runs Kush Maini and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak. AIX Racing fields Emerson Fittipaldi Jr. and Cian Shields. Van Amersfoort Racing competes with Nicolás Varrone and Rafael Villagómez. Trident runs Laurens van Hoepen and John Bennett.

Technical Specifications

Formula 2 operates as a spec series. All teams use identical equipment, which levels the playing field and highlights driver talent.

Car Components

The Dallara F2 2024 chassis serves all competitors. This design resembles current Formula 1 cars and incorporates advanced safety features. The chassis was engineered to better accommodate drivers of different sizes.

A Mecachrome V6 engine provides power. This 3.4-liter single turbocharged unit produces 620 horsepower at 8750 rpm. The engine delivers 570 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm and uses a fly-by-wire accelerator system. Teams rebuild engines after 8000 kilometers. Pirelli supplies all tires for the championship.

The Hewland 6-speed sequential gearbox features electro-hydraulic operation via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The transmission is mounted longitudinally.

Performance Data

Formula 2 cars accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 2.90 seconds. They reach 200 km/h from standstill in 6.60 seconds. Maximum speed reaches 335 km/h with the Monza aerodynamic configuration and DRS active. Under braking, the cars achieve -3.5 G deceleration. Lateral acceleration reaches +/- 3.9 G in corners.

The cars measure 5285 mm in overall length, 1900 mm in width, and 1097 mm in height. The wheelbase spans 3135 mm. Total weight with driver onboard is 795 kilograms.

Sustainability Focus

The 2026 season continues Formula 2's push for environmental responsibility. The fuel supplied by Aramco contains a high percentage of sustainable components. The championship plans to adopt fully synthetic fuels by 2027.

Historic Significance

The 2026 event represents a milestone for the FIA Formula 2 Championship. This is the first time F2 cars have raced in North America. The Miami International Autodrome, which opened in May 2022 for Formula 1, welcomes F2 for the first time.

The addition of Miami to the F2 calendar came after planned Middle Eastern rounds were canceled due to regional conflict. This change brought F2 to new territories, expanding the championship's global reach.

Apex Circuit Design created the Miami International Autodrome after simulating over 70 layout variations. The final 19-turn, 5.41-kilometer design balances the demands of modern Formula 1 with the practical constraints of a temporary circuit built around an NFL stadium.

Notable Aspects

American driver Colton Herta competes in his rookie F2 campaign in 2026. The Miami race serves as a home event for Herta, who previously raced in IndyCar. His participation adds local interest to this inaugural North American F2 round.

The Hard Rock Stadium setting creates a unique environment. The NFL's Miami Dolphins play their home games at this venue, and the racing circuit wraps around the stadium complex. This configuration differs from traditional motorsports facilities.

F2 teams and drivers face the challenge of learning the Miami circuit for the first time at this level. Teams rely on simulator preparation and data collection. The 2026 event will build the baseline information for future visits. Setup choices made during Friday practice will prove critical for the rest of the weekend.

The Miami f2 race brings world-class single-seater racing to the USA. Formula 2 showcases the next generation of motorsport talent, with many drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1. The identical cars ensure races focus on driver ability and team strategy. The Miami International Autodrome provides a challenging test with its mix of corner types and long straights. This event offers fans in the USA a chance to see future stars compete at a circuit that combines street racing character with modern facility standards.