Formula 4 United States (F4 U.S.) returns for its 11th season with a reshaped grid and a shifting competitive landscape. As the middle tier of the Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) ladder, the series continues to serve as a crucial step for young drivers aiming to climb the single-seater ranks.
Following a dominant 2025 campaign, champion Cooper Shipman has moved on, alongside key rivals Kekai Hauanio and Alex Popow Jr. Consequently, the 2026 season opens the door for a new wave of contenders to establish themselves at the front.
At the same time, the championship enters a new commercial phase. PMH’s acquisition of Racing America signals a significant shift in how fans will engage with the series going forward.
Broadcast changes signal a new direction
Over the off-season, PMH merged with Racing America and rebranded under that name. As a result, the series moves away from free YouTube streaming.
Fans must now subscribe to Racing America’s platform to watch races live, with additional access available via Amazon Prime Video. Although this marks a departure from previous seasons, it reflects a broader effort to professionalise and monetise the ladder system.
A familiar yet refined calendar for 2026 F4 U.S.
The 2026 schedule closely mirrors last year’s, maintaining stability while introducing minor adjustments. Once again, the championship supports FR Americas at every round, strengthening the connection between the two series.
Notably, the season begins slightly later in April, while the Mid-Ohio round shifts forward by one week. Meanwhile, Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains absent from the calendar.
2026 Race Calendar:
- Round 1: NOLA Motorsports Park (9–12 April)
- Round 2: Road America (14–17 May)
- Round 3: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (11–14 June)
- Round 4: New Jersey Motorsports Park (31 July–2 August)
- Round 5: Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (3–6 September)
- Round 6: Virginia International Raceway (17–20 September)
- Round 7: Barber Motorsports Park (16–18 October)
Each venue presents unique challenges, requiring drivers to adapt quickly across varying circuit characteristics.
Weekend format: Consistency remains key
The race weekend structure remains unchanged, ensuring continuity for teams and drivers. Events begin with optional testing on Thursday, followed by practice sessions on Friday.
Qualifying determines the grid for Race 1, while fastest laps from each race set the order for subsequent races. This format encourages consistent pace and rewards drivers who can deliver under pressure.
Each race runs to a 30-minute time limit, and the championship continues to use the standard Formula 1 points system. However, unlike some junior categories, no bonus points are awarded for pole position or fastest lap.
A changing F4 U.S. grid and new opportunities in 2026
Several teams from 2025 will not appear at the opening round, including LC Racing Academy and selected part-time entrants. Nevertheless, the grid features a compelling mix of returning talent and ambitious rookies.
With last season’s front-runners gone, the competitive order remains uncertain. Therefore, early performances could prove decisive in shaping the title fight.
Kiwi Motorsport
Kiwi Motorsport enters 2026 as the team to beat after securing both championships last season. Having won nine consecutive races in 2025, the squad now targets a fifth successive teams’ title. With a balanced line-up of proven pace and developing talent, Kiwi remains firmly at the centre of the title fight.
- Caleb Campbell – The only returning race winner on the grid, Campbell claimed victory at Road America alongside three podiums in 2025. The Canadian now enters his second season aiming to convert experience into a sustained title challenge.
- Zach Fourie – The South African steps into his first full campaign after an impressive partial season. He scored a podium on his F4 US debut and arrives with strong momentum, having won all four of his FPUSA-4 starts in 2025.
- Ayden Kohut (R) – The sole American driver on the opening grid begins his rookie season with promising early results. Kohut secured top-five finishes on debut and will look to build consistency at this level.
Crosslink Motorsports
Crosslink Motorsport returns with a streamlined one-car entry as it looks to reclaim the teams’ title it last won in 2024. Despite its reduced presence, the team retains the pedigree to challenge near the front.
- Fernando Rivera (R) – The Mexican driver makes his F4 US debut while continuing his NACAM F4 programme. With a career-best second-place finish already to his name, Rivera brings both potential and race experience into his rookie campaign.
MLT Motorsports
MLT Motorsports continues its steady growth within the PMH ladder, entering its third season in the championship. Having previously achieved multiple wins and podiums, the team now focuses on developing its next prospect.
- Cole Medeiros (R) – The 15-year-old Canadian arrives with an impressive karting background, including multiple national titles in 2025. He has already transitioned into single-seaters, scoring a podium in Formula FARA, and now steps up for his first full F4 US campaign.
Momentum Motorsports
Momentum Motorsport returns to F4 US for the first time since 2023, aiming to rebuild its presence in the category. The team previously showed flashes of competitiveness and now looks to take a step forward.
- Luca Day (R) – The Canadian moves up from the Ligier Junior Formula Championship after a season of steady progress. With extensive pre-season testing completed, Day enters his rookie year focused on consistent improvement.
Champagne Racing
Champagne Racing makes its return to F4 US after dominating the Ligier Junior Formula Championship in 2025. Despite fielding a single car, the team arrives with strong credentials and immediate expectations.
- Gastón Irazú (R) – The reigning LJFC champion steps up after a dominant campaign featuring five wins and ten podiums. The Uruguayan now aims to translate that success into F4 US and challenge for consecutive titles across categories.
Velox USA
Velox USA rejoins the championship with prior experience across the PMH ladder. The team focuses on a single-car effort as it looks to re-establish itself within the series.
- Clemente Huerta – The highest-placed returning driver from 2025, Huerta finished fourth overall with six podiums. The Chilean now assumes a leading role and is widely expected to be a consistent front-runner.
VMax Motorsport
VMax Motorsport enters the championship as a brand-new team, adding a unique dimension to the grid. With plans for future expansion, the outfit begins its journey with a single entry.
- Robert Soroka – The Canadian owner-driver returns to F4 US competition after previous appearances in 2019. Having gained additional experience in sportscar racing, Soroka now focuses on developing both himself and his team in their debut season.
A grid full of potential
Overall, the 2026 grid reflects a transitional phase for the championship. While experienced drivers such as Campbell and Huerta provide a competitive benchmark, a strong rookie class introduces further unpredictability.
Consequently, the balance between experience and fresh talent could define the outcome of the season, ensuring an open and highly competitive title fight.
A 2026 F4 U.S. season full of possibility
F4 United States enters 2026 in a period of transition. With established frontrunners progressing up the ladder, the championship now shifts its focus to the next generation.
The combination of a stable format, evolving broadcast model and refreshed grid sets the stage for a compelling season. Ultimately, the battle for the title remains wide open—and that uncertainty may define the year ahead.
