What Is 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship

Overview

The 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship marked the second season of the current FIA-sanctioned third-tier single-seater series, serving as a critical development platform for future Formula 1 drivers. Held entirely as a support series for Formula 1 race weekends, the championship maintained its focus on cost control, driver development, and competitive racing.

Due to the global pandemic, the 2020 season was shortened and rescheduled, beginning in August at the Red Bull Ring in Austria and concluding in November at Bahrain. Despite the compressed calendar, the series delivered intense competition across 27 races—three per round—with consistent performance from top contenders.

• Robert Shwartzman claimed the Drivers' title with 218 points, winning 4 races and securing 6 podiums, driving for PREMA Racing.
• 21-year-old Oscar Piastri finished second with 175 points, showcasing strong consistency with 3 wins and 7 podiums, later becoming an F1 reserve driver.
• Théo Pourchaire, aged just 16, became the youngest race winner in FIA F3 history by winning at Spa-Francorchamps, finishing third in the standings with 153 points.
• PREMA Racing dominated the Teams' Championship, accumulating 358 points and winning 7 of the 9 rounds, continuing their FIA F3 dominance.
• All 10 teams used the Dallara F3 2019 chassis paired with Mecachrome 3.4L V6 engines and Pirelli tires, ensuring technical parity.

How It Works

The FIA Formula 3 Championship operates as a spec-series with tightly controlled regulations to emphasize driver skill over engineering advantages. Each race weekend features a structured format designed to test consistency, racecraft, and adaptability under F1-level pressure.

• Qualifying Format: A single 30-minute session determines the grid for Race 1. The top 12 are reversed for Race 2, creating strategic unpredictability. This format rewards qualifying pace and race adaptability.
• Race 1: Held on Saturday, this 120-kilometer race awards full points (25 for 1st) and sets the stage for reverse-grid Race 2, based on top 12 finishers.
• Race 2: A 100-kilometer sprint on Sunday features a reversed top 12 grid, increasing overtaking opportunities and rewarding aggressive strategies from mid-field teams.
• Points System: Points are awarded to the top 10 (25–1), with an additional point for fastest lap if set by a top-10 finisher, encouraging late-race pace.
• Driver Eligibility: Drivers must hold an FIA Super Licence or be on track to earn one; most are aged 16–22, serving as a bridge between FIA F4 and Formula 2.
• Team Structure: Each team fields three cars per race weekend, but only the two highest-finishing cars score points, promoting internal competition and team strategy.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2020 FIA F3 Championship against its predecessors and sister series in the FIA ladder:

The 2020 season maintained technical continuity with 2019 but expanded by one round. Compared to FIA Formula 2, F3 features shorter races, lower speeds, and reduced downforce, making it ideal for driver progression. The identical engine and chassis across all series ensure a consistent performance baseline.

Why It Matters

The 2020 FIA F3 Championship played a vital role in shaping the future of motorsport, identifying and nurturing elite young talent under real-world Grand Prix conditions. Its influence extends beyond the track, impacting team strategies, driver development pipelines, and FIA’s global talent scouting.

• Driver Development: The series is a proven stepping stone—2020 champion Shwartzman later became a Ferrari F1 test driver, highlighting its credibility.
• Cost Control: With capped budgets and spec components, FIA F3 offers a financially sustainable path for young drivers compared to privateer junior series.
• F1 Pipeline: Over 70% of current F1 drivers have competed in FIA-sanctioned junior categories, including F3, reinforcing its importance in the motorsport ecosystem.
• Global Exposure: Races broadcast alongside F1 weekends give drivers unparalleled visibility, helping secure sponsorships and future F2/F1 seats.
• Technical Parity: Identical cars ensure results reflect driver skill, making performance evaluations more accurate for team recruiters and F1 academies.
• Gender Inclusion: The series welcomed female drivers like Sophia Flörsch in testing, promoting diversity and long-term inclusivity in top-tier motorsport.

As a cornerstone of the FIA’s Global Pathway, the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship continues to shape the next generation of racing stars, combining elite competition with structured progression.