What Is 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship was the inaugural season of the unified FIA-sanctioned third-tier single-seater series, running 8 rounds from May to September 2019, with Robert Shwartzman winning the Drivers' title and Prema Racing securing the Teams' title.

Key Facts

The 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship began in May 2019 and concluded in September 2019 after 8 rounds.
Robert Shwartzman won the Drivers' Championship with 212 points, driving for Prema Racing.
Prema Racing claimed the Teams' Championship with a total of 304 points.
Each race weekend featured two races: a 120-km Sprint Race and a 170-km Feature Race.
The championship used the Dallara F3 2019 chassis with Mecachrome 3.4L V6 engines and Pirelli tires.

Overview

The 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship marked the first season of the unified FIA-sanctioned third-tier single-seater racing series, replacing the GP3 Series and merging under the FIA Formula 3 banner. It served as a critical feeder series beneath Formula 2 and Formula 1, supporting 10 Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends across Europe and the Americas.

Eight rounds were held over the 2019 season, each featuring two races per event: a shorter Sprint Race and a longer Feature Race. The championship attracted young talents from around the world, many backed by Formula 1 junior programs, aiming to climb the motorsport ladder.

Eight rounds were held from May to September 2019, supporting Formula 1 race weekends in cities including Barcelona, Le Castellet, and Monza.
The Drivers' title was won by Robert Shwartzman, a Russian-Italian driver racing for Prema Racing, who accumulated 212 points over the season.
Prema Racing dominated the Teams' Championship, securing 304 points and finishing well ahead of second-place Carlin with 174 points.
Each race weekend used a reverse-grid format for the Sprint Race, based on the Feature Race results, increasing unpredictability and competitive racing.
The series used identical Dallara F3 2019 chassis equipped with Mecachrome 3.4L V6 naturally aspirated engines and Pirelli tires to ensure close competition.

How It Works

The 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship operated under a structured race format and technical regulations designed to balance performance and promote driver development. Each round followed a consistent schedule, integrating tightly with the Formula 1 support program.

Qualifying Format: A single 30-minute session determined the grid for the Feature Race; the top 10 were reversed for the Sprint Race start order.
Feature Race: The first race of the weekend, covering 170 kilometers, awarded full championship points with a maximum of 25 for first place.
Sprint Race: The second race was shorter at 120 kilometers and used a reverse top-10 grid to boost overtaking and strategic variety.
Points System: Points were awarded down to 10th place, with 25 for 1st, 18 for 2nd, and 15 for 3rd, plus 2 for fastest lap if in the top 10.
Technical Parity: All teams used the Dallara F3 2019 chassis and sealed Mecachrome engines to minimize performance gaps and emphasize driver skill.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors had to hold an FIA Super Licence or meet junior category performance benchmarks, ensuring a high but accessible entry standard.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship against its predecessor GP3 Series and its senior counterpart Formula 2:

Aspect	FIA Formula 3 (2019)	GP3 Series (Final Season)	Formula 2
Chassis	Dallara F3 2019	Dallara GP3/16	Dallara F2 2018
Engine	Mecachrome 3.4L V6	Advanced Engine Research 3.4L V6	Mecachrome 3.4L V6
Top Speed	Around 290 km/h (180 mph)	Around 280 km/h (174 mph)	Around 320 km/h (199 mph)
Races per Round	2 (Feature + Sprint)	2 (Sprint + Main)	2 (Feature + Sprint)
Championship Winner	Robert Shwartzman (212 pts)	Anthoine Hubert (169 pts, 2018)	Nyck de Vries (229 pts)

This table highlights how the 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship modernized the junior formula structure by standardizing technical components and aligning closely with F1 events. While less powerful than Formula 2, FIA F3 offered a more cost-effective and competitive platform than GP3, with tighter racing and better visibility for young drivers.

Why It Matters

The 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship played a pivotal role in reshaping the junior motorsport pipeline, offering a transparent and competitive environment for future Formula 1 stars. Its launch signaled the FIA’s commitment to streamlining the path from karting to Formula 1.

Development Platform: The series helped launch careers of future F1 drivers like Oscar Piastri and Théo Pourchaire, who competed in later F3 seasons.
Cost Control: Standardized chassis and engines kept budgets lower than previous third-tier series, making it more accessible to independent teams and drivers.
F1 Integration: By supporting F1 weekends, drivers gained exposure to top teams and media, increasing their chances of being scouted.
Global Talent Pool: The grid featured drivers from over 15 countries, reflecting the championship’s international appeal and inclusivity.
Sporting Integrity: The reverse-grid Sprint Race and consistent regulations ensured fairness and minimized mechanical advantages.
Pathway Clarity: As the official third tier, FIA F3 created a clear progression from F4 to F3 to F2 to Formula 1, enhancing career planning for young drivers.

With strong performances and structured growth, the 2019 season laid the foundation for FIA Formula 3 as a respected and essential step in motorsport’s elite development ladder.