The FIA has introduced a new entry model for the second FIA F4 World Cup, which will take place during the 73rd Macau Grand Prix from 19–22 November 2026.
Under the revised system, leading teams from FIA-certified national Formula 4 championships will operate the entries. The FIA will also expand the grid from 20 to 24 cars as it seeks to strengthen the event’s international reach and attract the category’s leading young drivers.
Furthermore, every competitor will race a Pirelli-equipped Formula 4 car on the 6.120-kilometre Guia Circuit. The FIA plans to announce further technical and sporting details at a later date.
FIA adopts Formula Regional team model
The FIA will replace the centralised arrive-and-drive concept that supported the inaugural F4 World Cup in 2025.
Instead, organisers will adopt the multi-team structure already used in the FIA Formula Regional World Cup. This approach will allow established Formula 4 teams to prepare and operate their own cars while supporting drivers who already compete within their national programmes.
Consequently, the new model should create a more familiar environment for both teams and drivers. It will also connect the FIA F4 World Cup more closely with the international Formula 4 championship system.
FIA Single-Seater Commission President Emanuele Pirro explained the importance of the event within the governing body’s junior single-seater pathway.
“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 the Guia Circuit and Macao as a whole at an entry level before they hopefully progress to the FIA FR World Cup in the future. We are very pleased to see Formula 4 continuing to grow, with the FIA F4 World Cup in Macao reflecting the category’s international reach and bringing together the best young drivers worldwide. The introduction of team-operated entries, in line with the FIA FR World Cup model, alongside an expanded grid, further strengthens the platform we offer to emerging drivers on the global stage.”
Sporting results will shape team selection
The FIA and the Automobile General Association Macao-China will work together to select the participating teams.
They will assess performances in national Formula 4 Championships Certified by the FIA before inviting the strongest organisations to Macau. Each selected team will then nominate its drivers for the 24-car field.
As a result, the entry process will reward teams that achieve strong results within their domestic championships. It should also bring together competitors from several Formula 4 series and create a genuinely international grid.
Many of the selected drivers will tackle the Guia Circuit for the first time. Therefore, teams will play an important role in helping them adapt to the venue’s unusual demands.
Expanded grid creates more opportunities
The FIA has increased the maximum entry from 20 cars in 2025 to 24 cars in 2026.
That expansion will give four additional drivers the opportunity to compete at one of junior motor sport’s most prestigious events. Moreover, the larger field should increase competition across qualifying and both races.
The new team-operated format could also produce a more varied entry. Established organisations will bring their own engineering knowledge, working methods and driver development experience to the event.
Meanwhile, the drivers will compete in equal-category Formula 4 machinery fitted with Pirelli tyres. Therefore, preparation, adaptability and execution should play decisive roles throughout the weekend.
Guia Circuit provides a demanding test
The Macau Grand Prix has long served as a proving ground for emerging motor racing talent.
Its 6.120-kilometre street circuit combines long, high-speed sections with a narrow and technical mountain sector. As a result, drivers must balance commitment with precision while racing close to unforgiving barriers.
The FIA F4 World Cup gives young competitors an opportunity to learn the circuit at the entry level of the international single-seater pathway. Successful drivers could then return in later years to contest the FIA Formula Regional World Cup.
In addition, the Macau event allows drivers to demonstrate their ability under pressure in front of international teams, manufacturers and talent scouts.
Second edition strengthens Formula 4 pathway
The FIA introduced the F4 World Cup in 2025 to give promising young drivers a global competition at the conclusion of their national campaigns.
Following its evaluation of the inaugural format, the governing body has now placed teams at the centre of the event. The change should strengthen the relationship between the World Cup and FIA-certified Formula 4 championships around the world.
Furthermore, the expanded grid and results-based selection process should raise the level of competition. The FIA will reveal further information about the cars, teams and sporting arrangements before the event begins in November.
The second FIA F4 World Cup will form part of the 73rd Macau Grand Prix programme from 19–22 November 2026.
