What Is 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship

Overview

The 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship marked the first season under the new FIA branding, replacing the GP2 Series as Formula 1's official feeder series. It aimed to provide a clearer, more cost-effective path for drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1, with standardized equipment and closer competition.

Organized by the FIA and promoted by Formula One Management, the championship featured 11 race weekends, all supporting Formula 1 Grand Prix events. The season introduced new safety and technical regulations, including the halo cockpit protection system, which later debuted in F1.

• Round count: The season consisted of 11 rounds, each with two races, totaling 22 races across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Chassis and engine: All teams used the Dallara F2 2017 chassis powered by a 3.4L V6 turbocharged Mecachrome engine.
• Tires:Pirelli supplied all tires, using a single compound for all races to promote mechanical grip and driver skill.
• Points system: The top 8 finishers earned points, with 15 for first and a bonus point for fastest lap.
• Safety innovations: The 2017 season was the first to feature the halo device, a titanium structure designed to protect drivers from head injuries.

How It Works

The 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship followed a tightly regulated format to ensure competitive balance and driver development. Each round featured a structured weekend with practice, qualifying, and two races.

• Qualifying: A 30-minute session determined the grid for the Feature Race, with the top 12 reversed for the Sprint Race start.
• Feature Race: Held on Saturday, it was 45 minutes plus one lap, with mandatory pit stops and full points allocation.
• Sprint Race: On Sunday, it was 30 minutes plus one lap, with the top 8 reversed from the Feature Race result.
• Driver eligibility: Competitors had to be under 25 years old and hold an FIA Super License or be on track to earn one.
• Team structure: Each team fielded two cars, with no team orders allowed to promote fair competition.
• Cost control: The FIA imposed a $600,000 annual budget cap per car to limit spending and level the playing field.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship compared to its predecessor and Formula 1:

The rebranding from GP2 to FIA Formula 2 emphasized closer ties to the FIA and improved recognition as the official F1 support series. While performance gaps remain significant, the 2017 format better mirrored F1 operations, including race weekends and safety standards. This alignment helped drivers transition more smoothly to the top tier.

Why It Matters

The 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship was a pivotal moment in motorsport’s developmental ladder, setting new standards for driver preparation and technical parity. Its success influenced future junior series and contributed to the FIA’s global motorsport strategy.

• Talent pipeline: The season launched Charles Leclerc to F1 with Sauber in 2018, proving the series’ role in identifying elite drivers.
• Safety legacy: The halo device tested in 2017 was later adopted in F1, saving lives in incidents like Romain Grosjean’s 2020 crash.
• Cost efficiency: The $600,000 cap made the series more accessible to young drivers from diverse financial backgrounds.
• Global reach: Supporting F1 races in 11 countries increased visibility and sponsorship opportunities for drivers and teams.
• Technical relevance: The switch to turbocharged engines better prepared drivers for modern F1 power units.
• Regulatory model: The FIA used this series to test rules like tire limits and race formats later considered for F1.

By unifying branding, safety, and competition standards, the 2017 season laid the foundation for a more professional and transparent junior series, strengthening the bridge between karting and Formula 1.