What Is 2019 FIA Formula 2 Championship

Overview

The 2019 FIA Formula 2 Championship served as the premier feeder series to Formula 1, offering young drivers a competitive platform to showcase talent ahead of F1 promotion. It ran across 12 Grand Prix weekends, supporting F1 events on the same circuits, with races held immediately before select F1 sessions.

Featuring a standardized technical package, the series ensured competition was based on driver skill and team strategy rather than technological advantages. The season saw consistent performances from top contenders, culminating in a decisive title win before the final round.

• 12 rounds were held during the 2019 season, each including one Feature Race and one Sprint Race, totaling 24 races.
• All teams used the Dallara F2 2018 chassis, equipped with Mecachrome 3.4L V6 turbocharged engines and Pirelli tires for uniform performance.
• Nyck de Vries clinched the Drivers' Championship with 250 points, earning a substantial prize toward an F1 seat, despite not winning the final race.
• ART Grand Prix won the Teams' Championship with 301 points, outperforming rivals through consistent finishes and strategic race management.
• The season concluded at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 1, where de Vries had already secured the title two weeks earlier in Bahrain.

How It Works

The FIA Formula 2 Championship operates under strict regulations to balance performance and promote driver development. Each race weekend follows a fixed format designed to maximize excitement and fairness, with points awarded across multiple sessions.

• Qualifying Format: Held on Saturday morning, it determines the grid for the Feature Race. The top 10 are reversed for the Sprint Race grid, increasing unpredictability.
• Feature Race: Run on Saturday afternoon, it is 45 minutes plus one lap long and awards 25 points to the winner, with mandatory pit stops.
• Sprint Race: Held on Sunday, it is 30 minutes plus one lap long and starts with a reversed top 10, rewarding aggressive driving and strategy.
• Points System: Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers in Feature Race and top 8 in Sprint Race, with an extra point for fastest lap.
• Driver Eligibility: Competitors must hold an FIA Super Licence and be part of recognized F1 junior programs or independent racing academies.
• Team Structure: Each of the 8 teams entered two cars, with strict cost controls and no in-season aerodynamic development allowed.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2019 F2 season to its predecessor highlights key changes in competition and performance trends.

The table shows that while the technical regulations remained stable, driver turnover increased due to promotions to Formula 1. Nyck de Vries’ title was less dominant in points than George Russell’s 2018 campaign, reflecting deeper field competitiveness and more frequent race winners.

Why It Matters

The 2019 FIA Formula 2 Championship played a crucial role in shaping the future of motorsport by identifying and preparing the next generation of elite drivers. Its structure ensures a fair and rigorous proving ground before the jump to Formula 1.

• Winning F2 significantly boosts a driver’s chance of securing an F1 test or race seat, as seen with de Vries joining Mercedes in Formula E.
• The series acts as a development pipeline for teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren, who scout top-performing juniors.
• Standardized cars emphasize driver skill over engineering, making performance differences easier to evaluate for F1 recruiters.
• Global exposure through F1 support races gives drivers media training and fan engagement experience critical for F1 careers.
• Cost-capped operations help level the playing field, preventing wealthier teams from dominating through spending.
• Consistent scheduling alongside F1 enhances sponsor visibility and investment appeal for drivers and teams alike.

As a direct feeder to Formula 1, the 2019 FIA Formula 2 Championship reinforced its status as the final and most important step for aspiring world champions.