The FIA FR World Cup and FIA F4 World Cup have been confirmed for 2026 with both events taking place during the 73rd Macau Grand Prix week from 19-22 November.
At the same time, the entry selection framework has been established for the FIA FR World Cup with details of the FIA F4 World Cup entry process to be announced in due course.
Confirmation of the showpiece end-of-season events for the two junior single-seater categories of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) follows an FIA World Motor Sport Council e-vote.
It means young drivers from across the globe, with ambitions to one day race in the FIA Formula One World Championship, will get the chance to showcase their potential at an event widely recognised as a proving ground for rising stars of motor sport.
Taking place on the iconic Guia Circuit, a 6.120-kilometre layout ranked as one of the most demanding street tracks in the world, the FIA FR World Cup and FIA F4 World Cup will also shine the spotlight on the Asia-Pacific region and serve as a source of inspiration for future generations of drivers and fans.
Run for the first time in 2024, the FIA FR World Cup marked the start of a new era for the Macau Grand Prix with Formula Regional cars becoming the flagship category.
The FIA FR World Cup features the new-for-2026 second-generation Formula Regional Tatuus T 326, which has been built to the latest specification set by the FIA and follows extensive research and development by the FIA Technical and Safety Departments, as well as significant updates by the FIA’s aerodynamicists that follow the design philosophy developed for the FIA Formula One World Championship.
Introduced for 2025, the FIA F4 World Cup, for entry-level Formula 4 cars, provides a valuable opportunity for the next generation of drivers to gain knowledge of the Guia Circuit early in their single-seater careers. It’s also a chance for them to experience Macao’s street track ahead of stepping up to the FIA FR World Cup in future seasons.
The FIA FR World Cup and FIA F4 World Cup, which use Pirelli tyres, are run in partnership with the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee and FIA Member Club, the Automobile General Association Macao-China (AAMC).
FIA Single-Seater Commission President Emanuele Pirro said: “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.”
Macau 2026 FIA FR World Cup team invitation framework revealed
The FIA, in partnership with the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee, has established the team invitation framework for the 2026 FIA FR World Cup.
It has been designed to combine sporting merit, international representation and competitive excellence, while preserving the prestige and selective nature that have long defined the Macau Grand Prix.
The objective is to assemble a world-class entry comprising the strongest Formula Regional teams globally, within a grid size suited to the circuit’s unique sporting and safety characteristics.
Merit-based invitations
The foundation of the entry list will be built on performance and participation in FIA-recognised Formula Regional championships during the 2026 season but also taking into account results from 2025.
All teams competing in the 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) will be eligible for invitation to the FIA FR World Cup. As the most competitive and internationally diverse Formula Regional championship, FIA FREC represents the benchmark within the category and will therefore form the core pool of teams considered for the Macau Grand Prix grid.
The highest-classified entrant in the 2025 Formula Regional Japanese Championship Teams’ standings will also be selected, a move that further recognises the strength of the Japanese championship and underlines the event’s longstanding sporting links within the region.
From 2027 onwards, one team will be selected from the highest-classified entrants in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy Teams’ standings by the regional promoter. The inclusion of the Oceania platform reflects the continued globalisation of the Formula Regional pathway and supports representation from regions where performance is at a high level.
In addition to the above, up to two further teams will be selected on a merit-based basis jointly by the FIA and the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee.
These additional invitations will consider:
- Outstanding sporting achievement in a recognised Formula Regional competition in the Americas, Japan, Middle East or Oceania
- Proven competitive performance at the international level
- Demonstrated operational capability and technical excellence
- Historic legacy, including significant contributions to the Macau Grand Prix or to the broader development of junior single-seater racing
- Previous results in the Macau Grand Prix
All entries remain subject to FIA approval and compliance with the applicable technical and sporting regulations.
Grid structure
Each invited competitor will nominate two drivers, all competing with FIA Formula Regional Gen2 machinery.
The maximum number of cars permitted to start the race will be as follows:
• 2026 season: maximum 26 cars
• From 2027 onwards: maximum 28 cars
The two-car structure ensures operational consistency across the field while aligning the FIA FR World Cup with standard team configurations adopted in several FIA junior single-seater competitions, while supporting efficient sporting and logistical operations within the constraints of the Guia Circuit.
A balanced sporting framework for Macao
The established grid configuration reflects a deliberate and balanced approach tailored to the Guia Circuit’s demands.
The circuit’s narrow profile, limited runoff and technical complexity require a grid size that delivers high-level competition without compromising safety or race management. A maximum field of 26 cars, expanding to 28 cars from 2027 onwards.
Furthermore, the framework ensures broad international participation, drawing together leading teams from Europe, Japan and Oceania from next year, alongside additional FIA/promoter-selected entrants, thereby demonstrating the World Cup’s truly global character.
With the introduction of Gen2 Formula Regional cars in 2026, the Macau Grand Prix continues to evolve in line with the modern junior single-seater landscape, while safeguarding its historic status as one of the most demanding and prestigious races for emerging talent worldwide.
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