F2 drivers aim for a permanent spot at the Canadian GP following a last-minute recovery.

      Formula 2 may become a regular support category for the Canadian Grand Prix following its inaugural race in North America this season. F2 president Bruno Michel expressed to Le Journal de Montreal the championship's desire to secure a long-term foothold at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. "Yes, I would like it if we could return in a more permanent way," Michel stated.

      Initially, Formula 2 was not planned to compete in either Miami or Montreal in 2026, but the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds due to the situation in Iran prompted the series to look for alternatives. "For F1, losing two races isn’t a major issue since it represents 10 percent of the season," Michel clarified. "For us, it’s a significant change because we have fewer races."

      These replacement events also marked F2's first competition in North America. "When I informed our teams we were going to North America, they were excited," Michel noted. "They understand how vital it is as we aim to enhance our presence in America."

      Michel mentioned that talks about a future Canadian round had already started before the cancellations in the Middle East. "Montreal asked me if we would return in 2026, and I had to say no. My schedule was already packed," he explained. Canadian GP chief operating officer Sandrine Garneau confirmed that the promoter is open to extending the partnership. "We would like it to be a four-day event and take over the entire city," she remarked. "Discussing the inclusion of F2 and possibly F3 is a daily conversation for us."

      The addition of Formula 2 presented significant logistical hurdles due to the last-minute scheduling changes, necessitating the construction of temporary paddock facilities behind grandstand 15 near the hairpin. Michel highlighted a unique aspect of Formula 2: fans are granted direct access to the paddock. "It allows fans to see the cars and garages, unlike in F1 where everything is kept secret because the cars are treated like state secrets," he said with a smile. "In F2, everyone has the same car."