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It may not have quite the same star appeal as Formula 1, but Formula 3 plays an integral role in shaping future stars of the sport.

As one of the most important stepping stones to the higher Formulas, F3 is where aspiring drivers come to hone their craft, showcase their talents, and begin to build a name for themselves on their way to the big leagues.As industry-leading providers of on track race insurance we’re very familiar with F3, and we’ve written this post to give you a rundown of everything you need to know about the series.

What is Formula 3?

Formula 3 is a class of open-wheel formula racing. The name was given in 1950 to a class of racing developed by enthusiasts in the UK.

Within Formula 3 there are numerous series, with the FIA Formula 3 Championship being the current international series. The FIA defines Formula 3 as the “official third rung of the Road to F1 ladder,” a “defined entry point for young and ambitious drivers to join the Formula 1 circus, and to give them the chance to take the path to join their heroes in the main paddock.”

Since its inception the formula has gone through various transformations. Here’s what defines the current iteration of Formula 3:

  • A single-seater, open-wheel formula 
  • A one-make category where all cars are identical per the FIA specifications
  • Race weekends comprise a 45 minute Free Practice session and a 30 minute Qualifying session on Friday; a 40 minute + one lap Sprint Race on Saturday; a 45 minute + one lap Feature Race on Sunday
  • Mainly populated by 17-18 year old drivers

The series is intended to be affordable and competitive, giving young drivers an accessible opportunity to showcase and refine their driving skills and, hopefully, attract attention and investment to further their career.

Why is Formula 3 Important?

There are several steps on the motorsport ladder, with the prestigious title of Formula 1 driver on the top rung. And while some drivers skip formulas (from F3 to F1 for example, or from karting straight to F3), the most established pathway is as follows:

  • Karting
  • Formula 4
  • Formula 3
  • Formula 2
  • Formula 1

Formula 3 allows budding drivers to gain vital experience in high-speed racing, as well as other important aspects of the sport like race strategy, car setup, tactics, and more.

This series is where talented drivers usually begin to attract serious attention from F1 teams and junior driver programs, bringing with it the opportunity to do test drives or take reserve driver roles, and to continue climbing the ladder.

How is Formula 3 Structured?

Each year the F3 Championship supports F1, with 10 rounds that take place on F1 weekends.

The structure of each F3 weekend is as follows:

  • Friday: 45 minute Free Practice session; 30 minute Qualifying session
  • Saturday: 40 minute + one lap Sprint Race 
  • Sunday: 45 minute + one lap Feature Race 

Starting grids for the Sprint Race and Feature Race are determined as follows:

  • Sprint Race: reversing the top 12 finishers of the Qualifying session
  • Feature Race: the results of the final classification of the Qualifying session

During races, points are awarded as follows:

  • Sprint Race: the top 10 classified drivers receive 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 points
  • Feature Race: the top 10 finishers receive 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 points, with 2 points for the driver in pole position 

For full information on the structure of F3 check out this resource from the FIA.

What Cars Do Formula 3 Drivers Use?

The current F3 car is designed to offer a wide range of suspension configurations, and to facilitate overtaking. It boasts the following features:

  • Naturally aspirated 3.4 litre bespoke Mecachrome 6 cylinder engine, delivering 380 HP at 8000 rpm
  • Six-gear longitudinal gearbox
  • All in one ECU- GCU – Data logger equipment
  • Carbon monocoque
  • Pirelli tyres

The top speed is 300 km/h, with 0-100km/h possible in an impressive 3.1 seconds.

Who Are the Key Formula 3 Teams?

The 2024 Formula 3 season featured the following teams: 

  • Prema Racing (Italy)
  • Trident (Italy)
  • Art Grand Prix (France)
  • MP Motorsport (Netherlands)
  • Hitech Pulse-Eight (United Kingdom)
  • Van Amersfoort Racing (Netherlands)
  • Rodin Carlin (United Kingdom)
  • Campos Racing (Spain)
  • Jenzer Motorsport (Switzerland)
  • PHM Racing by Charouz (Germany)

See here for the latest information on teams and drivers.

Any other questions?

F3 is a scintillating series that should be of great interest to F1 fans. It features all the high speed and technical prowess, as well as a flowing pipeline of talent. Seeing the development of budding drivers as they make their way towards the upper echelons of F1 offers an excitement that’s hard to match: there’s no better feeling than seeing a driver whose career you’ve followed with interest make it to their first F1 starting grid.

We hope this primer has been useful in acquainting you with the formula, and that it’s inspired you to check out a few races if you’ve not before! 

Feel free to get in touch with our team if you have questions about what we do or how we can help you.