The FIA and the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) have officially confirmed the 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) calendar, introducing major changes to Europe’s leading regional single-seater series. With 2026 marking the first season of full FIA support, the championship enters a more structured era within the FIA Single-Seater Pyramid, strengthening the pathway between Formula 4 and FIA Formula 3.
Alongside the new calendar, the season will feature an updated sporting format and the debut of a second-generation Formula Regional car developed directly by the FIA, reflecting aerodynamic concepts used in Formula 1 to improve close racing. These changes underline the governing body’s commitment to refining driver development at a crucial career stage.
A redesigned format to enhance driver progression
The FIA has reshaped the championship structure to better serve young drivers stepping up from national competition. The introduction of both traditional two-race events and new triple-race weekends aims to increase track time while preserving financial sustainability for teams. This combination is designed to give drivers the chance to gain experience across varied competitive conditions without significantly expanding operating costs.
In addressing the strategic intent behind this shift, FIA Single-Seater Committee President Emanuele Pirro emphasised the challenge of designing a format that balances development with affordability.
“Getting the balance right between the number of races and the cost-control is not an easy thing at this level, but I think this is something that we have achieved together with ACI for the first season of the FIA Formula Regional European Championship. We want to give the young drivers the best experience possible as they move from national into regional competition, maximising their time on-track and also visiting circuits that will really test their skills.
Pirro then reflected on the long-standing reputation of the championship as a proving ground for rising international talent, noting that the 2026 structure continues this legacy.
“The European Championship has historically been the place where emerging talents from all over the world come and compete all together for the first time, and I’m sure it is here we will start to see the stars of the future rising to the top once again. Whether they are stepping up from Formula 4 or coming from another Formula Regional Championship, we expect FIA FREC to be the final stepping stone before the global F3, F2 and, ultimately, F1 Championships await the very best drivers.”
A new car designed for the next generation of talent
In addition to the enhanced sporting format, 2026 will see the debut of the FIA’s newly developed second-generation Formula Regional car. While the article does not outline detailed technical specifications, it confirms that the new chassis incorporates aerodynamic concepts currently used in Formula 1 to support closer on-track racing.
This evolution signals the FIA’s intent to provide a learning environment that more closely mirrors the dynamics of higher-level single-seater machinery. It also offers young drivers a more relevant platform for preparing for FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2.
ACI emphasises Italy’s central role in shaping the championship
Because the ACI has co-managed the series and played a major role in its development, the approval of the 2026 calendar represents a significant milestone for Italian motorsport. ACI Extraordinary Commissioner Tullio Del Sette highlighted how the selection of circuits reflects Europe’s long-established racing culture and offers young drivers an authentic challenge.
Del Sette views the calendar as both a sporting and symbolic achievement for the ACI.
“The approval of the 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship calendar is a result that confirms ACI’s central role in the development of international motor sport. The new season will take young drivers to some of the most iconic and technically demanding circuits in Europe, venues that for decades have represented the heart of motor racing tradition.
He emphasised how the triple-race weekends and the new car create a stronger framework for long-term driver development.
“The introduction of triple-race weekends and the debut of the second-generation single-seater define an even more advanced technical and sporting framework, designed to support a progressive and informed development for drivers aspiring to reach the top of the FIA pyramid. Our close cooperation with the FIA in building this project is not only a source of pride for ACI, but also a tangible commitment to the future of the sport: ensuring education, meritocracy, and a highly competitive environment for the next generations of motor sport talent.”
Further strengthening a key category in the driver pathway
ACI Deputy Extraordinary Commissioner Giovanni Battista Tombolato echoed these sentiments, noting that the 2026 calendar builds on the series’ growing importance within international motorsport. Tombolato sees Formula Regional as a cornerstone of young-driver development and a category that has already proven essential to the careers of many emerging racers.
He said: “The approval of the 2026 calendar marks another step forward in the growth of Formula Regional, a category that continues to prove essential in the developmental path of young drivers. The new features introduced for the upcoming season further strengthen the championship’s international relevance, while keeping cost control and talent promotion at the center. For ACI, it is a great satisfaction to contribute, together with the FIA, to a project that looks decisively to the future and represents a concrete investment in young talents, whom we support throughout their development journey, from karting all the way to single-seaters.”
A championship built on trust and long-term vision
ACI President-elect Antonino Geronimo La Russa also praised the progress made over recent years and the FIA’s confidence in the ACI’s continued stewardship. His remarks underline how the 2026 changes create an environment more closely aligned with the standards of higher-tier series.
La Russa sees the updated championship as a crucial educational platform for drivers aiming at global careers.
“The 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship calendar demonstrates the strength of the path built over these past years and the renewed confidence shown by the FIA towards ACI. Next year, the championship will take a significant step forward, offering young drivers an even more educational experience, increasingly aligned with the standards of the higher international categories.
He concluded by stressing Formula Regional’s ongoing role as a global benchmark in nurturing future talent.
“Formula Regional continues to stand as a global benchmark, capable of attracting talents from all over the world and preparing them in the best possible way for the challenges of Formula 3, Formula 2 and, for the most deserving, Formula 1. As an institution, we will continue to work to ensure that this championship remains a fertile ground for the development of tomorrow’s champions.”
Eight rounds across some of Europe’s most iconic circuits
The 2026 calendar features a mix of historic and technically demanding circuits, offering a comprehensive range of challenges for developing drivers:
8 Events 🗓️
— FIA (@fia) December 2, 2025
– A unique mix of 2-race and 3-race weekends 🏆
– The all new second gen FIA Formula Regional car 🏎️
– The stars of the future 🤩
The FIA and ACI are pleased to unveil the 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship Calendar #FIA #FREC pic.twitter.com/hZTyTZsNUG
These circuits include multiple Formula 1 venues and long-standing European motorsport landmarks, ensuring that the championship delivers both variety and educational value across the season.
A transformative season ahead
The 2026 FIA FREC brings together a redesigned calendar, an enhanced weekend structure, and a new FIA-developed car to create one of the most significant updates in the series’ history. With increased track time, stricter cost control, and deeper integration into the FIA Single-Seater Pyramid, the championship is strategically positioned to continue shaping the next generation of international racing talent.
The FIA and ACI’s shared vision ensures that FREC remains a vital stepping stone toward FIA Formula 3, Formula 2 and ultimately Formula 1—reinforcing Europe’s role as a global hub for young-driver development.
