What Is 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship

Overview

The 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship served as the primary feeder series to Formula 1, showcasing the next generation of elite single-seater talent. All 14 rounds were held as support events for Formula 1 race weekends, providing drivers with exposure to top-tier motorsport infrastructure and global audiences.

Organized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the championship featured 11 teams and 22 drivers competing across three race formats: a Feature Race and Sprint Race per weekend. The season emphasized close competition, with eight different race winners and only one driver dominating the standings.

• Felipe Drugovich claimed the Drivers' Championship with 265 points, securing the title with two rounds remaining.
• MP Motorsport won the Teams' Championship with 450 points, their first title in the series.
• The season began on March 18 at the Bahrain International Circuit and concluded on November 13 in Abu Dhabi.
• Oscar Piastri, the 2021 champion, moved up to Formula 1, leaving Drugovich as the most experienced contender.
• Each round included a 30-minute sprint race and a Feature Race of 180 kilometers, testing endurance and strategy.

How It Works

Formula 2 uses a standardized chassis and engine setup to ensure competition is based on driver skill and team strategy rather than technological advantage. The 2022 season followed a strict sporting and technical framework to maintain parity and fairness across entries.

• Chassis: All teams used the Dallara F2 2018 chassis, designed to last three seasons and reduce costs.
• Engine: A 3.4L V6 turbocharged engine supplied by Mecachrome produced around 620 horsepower.
• Qualifying: Held on Friday, it determined the starting grid for the Feature Race and dictated Sprint Race order.
• Feature Race: The main event, held on Saturday, awarded 25 points to the winner and included mandatory pit stops.
• Sprint Race: Shorter and based on a reversed top 10 from the Feature Race qualifying, it awarded 15 points to the winner.
• Points System: Points were awarded down to 10th place, with 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 for the Feature Race.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five drivers in the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship:

The table highlights the dominance of Drugovich, who won five races and consistently finished in the top three. Despite strong performances from Sargeant and Pourchaire, no other driver surpassed three podiums, underscoring the competitive gap. The parity in teams and car specifications made driver consistency the deciding factor.

Why It Matters

The 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship played a crucial role in shaping the future of Formula 1, serving as a proving ground for emerging talent and strategic development. Its influence extends beyond race results, impacting team recruitment, driver development pipelines, and motorsport engineering standards.

• Felipe Drugovich earned a test role with Aston Martin F1, validating the series as a talent pipeline.
• Logan Sargeant became the first American to race in F1 since 2007, joining Williams in 2023.
• The championship helped ART Grand Prix solidify its reputation as a top development team.
• Standardized technical specs ensured that driver skill was the primary differentiator.
• Live broadcasts on F1 platforms increased global visibility and fan engagement.
• The series demonstrated cost-effective racing with controlled budgets and shared resources.

With its blend of accessibility, competition, and professionalism, the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship reinforced its status as the essential stepping stone to Formula 1, preparing drivers and teams for the highest level of motorsport.