The FIA has officially confirmed that both the FIA Formula Regional World Cup and FIA Formula 4 World Cup will return for the 73rd running of the Macau Grand Prix in 2026, with the event scheduled to take place from November 19-22 at the iconic Guia Circuit.
Alongside the announcement, the FIA also unveiled the official entry selection framework for the FIA Formula Regional World Cup, while details surrounding the FIA Formula 4 World Cup entry system are expected to be confirmed at a later date.
The event continues to provide one of the biggest opportunities for young drivers across the world to showcase themselves on one of the most challenging street circuits in motorsport, with the Macau Grand Prix long regarded as a proving ground for future stars aiming to climb towards the Formula One World Championship.
Macau remains one of motorsport’s toughest tests
The 6.120km Guia Circuit remains one of the most demanding street circuits in the world, combining high-speed straights with tight technical sections and minimal room for error. Since Formula Regional machinery became the headline category in 2024, the Macau Grand Prix has entered a new era for junior single-seater racing.
For 2026, the FIA FR World Cup will feature the new second-generation Formula Regional Tatuus T-326 chassis, built to the FIA’s latest safety and aerodynamic specifications. The car follows updated development from the FIA Technical and Safety Departments, alongside aerodynamic concepts influenced by modern Formula 1 design philosophy.
The FIA F4 World Cup, which debuted in 2025, continues to provide younger drivers with an early opportunity to gain experience around Macau before potentially progressing into Formula Regional competition in future seasons.
Both championships will continue to use Pirelli tyres and operate in partnership with the Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee and the Automobile General Association Macao-China.
FIA Single-Seater Commission President Emanuele Pirro highlighted the significance of both events returning for 2026.
“Confirmation of the FIA FR World Cup and FIA F4 World Cup is an important moment and a chance for young drivers to set their sights and start preparing to show their potential during an event that’s recognised as a vital junior single-seater racing proving ground on a very demanding street circuit.”
“The FR World Cup has gone from strength to strength since its introduction in 2024 and will take on added significance this year with the introduction of the second-generation Tatuus T 326.”
“The introduction of the FIA F4 World Cup last season provided the perfect opportunity for drivers starting their single-seater adventures to build their knowledge and understanding of Macao at an entry level before they hopefully progress to the FIA FR World Cup in the future.”
FIA reveals team selection framework for FIA FR World Cup
The FIA also confirmed how teams will qualify for the 2026 FIA FR World Cup, with the framework designed around sporting merit, international representation and maintaining the prestige of the Macau Grand Prix.
All teams competing in the 2026 Formula Regional European Championship will automatically be eligible for invitation consideration, with FIA FREC continuing to be regarded as the benchmark Formula Regional category globally.
The top-ranked entrant from the 2025 Formula Regional Japanese Championship Teams’ standings will also receive an invitation, reinforcing Macau’s strong ties to the Japanese motorsport scene.
From 2027 onwards, one team from the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy will also gain entry through the Oceania pathway, highlighting the increasing global reach of Formula Regional competition.
The FIA and Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee will also have the ability to select up to two additional teams based on factors including sporting performance, international competitiveness, operational standards, Macau history and contributions to junior single-seater racing.
Each invited team will field two cars using Formula Regional Gen2 machinery, with the grid capped at 26 cars for 2026 before expanding to 28 cars from 2027 onwards.
The FIA stated that the smaller grid structure reflects the unique demands of the Guia Circuit, balancing competitive racing with safety considerations due to the circuit’s narrow layout and limited runoff areas.
With Gen2 Formula Regional machinery arriving in 2026, the Macau Grand Prix continues to evolve alongside the modern junior single-seater ladder, while maintaining its reputation as one of the most prestigious and difficult events for young drivers anywhere in the world.
