What Is 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship

Overview

The 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship marks the sixth season of the current FIA-sanctioned second-tier single-seater series, designed to bridge the gap between junior formulas and Formula 1. As an official support series to F1, it showcases future stars on the same weekends and circuits as the world's premier motorsport category.

With a standardized car platform ensuring competition is driver-focused, the championship emphasizes talent development and racecraft. The 2024 season features a 14-round calendar, all aligned with Formula 1 Grand Prix events, offering drivers maximum exposure and a consistent testing ground.

• 14 rounds are scheduled in 2024, starting in Bahrain on March 2 and concluding in Abu Dhabi on December 8.
• Each team fields two drivers, totaling 24 full-time competitors across the grid.
• All cars use the Dallara F2 2018 chassis, a design introduced in 2018 and updated annually for safety and performance.
• The Mecachrome 3.4L V8 engine produces 620 horsepower, enabling a top speed of over 320 km/h (199 mph).
• Points are awarded in both the Feature Race and Sprint Race, with the top 10 finishers earning points based on a 25-18-15 scale.

How It Works

The 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship follows a structured race weekend format designed to maximize competition and driver evaluation, all under FIA regulations.

• Qualifying Format: A single 30-minute session determines the grid for both races, with the top 10 reversed for the Sprint Race start.
• Feature Race: Held on Saturday, it is 180 km or 45 minutes long, with mandatory pit stops and tire strategy playing a key role.
• Sprint Race: On Sunday, it is shorter at 120 km or 30 minutes, with no mandatory pit stops, emphasizing pure speed and positioning.
• Points System: The winner earns 25 points, with 18 for second, 15 for third, and down to 1 point for tenth place in both races.
• Fastest Lap Bonus:2 bonus points are awarded to any driver who sets the fastest lap and finishes in the top 10.
• Team Structure: Teams like Prema Racing and ART Grand Prix operate two-car entries, managing strategy, engineering, and logistics for both drivers.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship differs significantly from other motorsport series in structure, speed, and purpose.

This comparison highlights Formula 2’s role as a high-speed, technically demanding proving ground. While slower than Formula 1, it offers closer racing and a more controlled environment for driver development compared to the lower-powered Formula 3.

Why It Matters

The 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Formula 1, serving as the final step before the top tier of motorsport.

• Over 80% of current F1 drivers have competed in Formula 2 or its predecessor GP2, underscoring its importance as a talent pipeline.
• The series provides real-world experience with F1-style race weekends, including media obligations, engineering collaboration, and strategy calls.
• Teams use the platform to evaluate young drivers for F1 reserve or race seats, such as those in Red Bull or Mercedes junior programs.
• It offers cost-effective competition compared to F1, with standardized chassis reducing development costs and focusing on driver performance.
• The championship fosters global exposure, with races broadcast worldwide and streamed via F1 TV, reaching millions of motorsport fans.
• Many 2024 drivers, such as Zane Maloney and Oliver Bearman, are linked to F1 teams, making the season a key audition for future promotions.

With its blend of technical parity, competitive racing, and direct F1 integration, the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship remains the definitive stepping stone to the pinnacle of motorsport.