F1 Academy announces revised weekend format, return of reverse grid race

F1 Academy announced a revised weekend format for the 2025 season, with the return of the reverse grid race, while retaining a two-race schedule per weekend.

Photo credits: F1 Academy Ltd

F1 Academy announced a revised weekend format for the upcoming 2025 season, with the return of the reverse grid race, while retaining a two-race schedule per weekend.

The composition of the weekend, with the all-female series supporting F1 at every round of its 7-event calendar, will consist again of up to two free practice sessions, one qualifying and two races – although the first race will now feature a reverse grid.

The first grid will now feature the top eighth qualified drivers reversed, while positions from ninth to 18th will remain unchanged. Points will be awarded to the top-8 finishers instead of the top-10; additionally one point will be awarded to the driver setting the fastest lap within the top eight. The point-scoring format will follow the 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 system.

Race 2 will return to the traditional format, with the qualifying results setting the grid – and the pole-sitter securing two points – as well as top ten finishers being awarded points, with fastest lap within the top ten awarding one point. The point-scoring system will return to the traditional 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.

F1 Academy featured reverse grid races in its inaugural season in 2023, however with a 3-race format per weekend, more traditional of Formula 4 championships. Two 15 minute qualifying used to set the grid for Race 1 and 3, while Race 2 featured a reverse grid.

The championship scaled back to two races in 2024, as it joined the F1 support package due to the stricter F1 schedule. Both races awarded full points, with the second-fastest laps from qualifying setting the grid for Race 2.

The 2025 revised format brings the total of available points per weekend from 56 to 39, and is expected to provide increased racing action with drivers moving up the field, refining their race craft and overtaking skills.