Does Formula 3 still exist

Yeah, Formula 3 is very much alive and kicking. It's still a huge deal as the middle rung on the FIA's ladder to F1. The current version, the FIA Formula 3 Championship, got rebooted in 2019 and basically ate the old GP3 Series and European F3 for breakfast. It's now the direct step before F2, and then obviously F1. And if you're wondering about those boxy old F3 cars from the 70s and 80s—yeah, they're still racing too, just in historic series. But the main show, the one that matters for young guns aiming for the top, is the modern FIA championship.

What is the current structure of Formula 3?

So, the modern FIA F3 is a spec series. Which means everyone gets the same stuff. Same Dallara chassis (the 2019 model, updated a bit for 2025), same Mecachrome V6 engine, same Pirelli tires. The whole point is to make it fair and keep costs from spiraling out of control. That way, it's really just about who's the better driver. The championship tags along with F1 race weekends, 9 rounds in total. Each round has three races—two Sprint races and one Feature race. The setup pushes drivers to be aggressive and think on their feet, which makes for some pretty wild racing.

How does the modern F3 championship differ from the old F3?

Honestly, it's like comparing apples to oranges in some ways. The old F3 (before 2019) was a mess of regional series—British F3, German F3, Japanese F3—all using different cars and engines. It was hard to know who was actually the best. The modern FIA F3 is one unified, global championship. It's the last stop before F2. Here's a quick breakdown of the differences:

That standardization makes it way easier for F1 teams to figure out who's actually good.

What are the "People Also Ask" questions about F3?

Is F3 still a feeder series for F1?

Absolutely. It's literally the step between Formula 4 and Formula 2 in the FIA's official pathway. The F3 champion almost always moves up to F2, and from there, F1. Look at Oscar Piastri—won F3 in 2020, was in F1 by 2023. The series is built to teach drivers about the extra power, downforce, and strategy you need for F2 and F1.

Can you still buy a Formula 3 car?

You can, but not the current one. That Dallara F3 is leased to teams exclusively for the championship. But older F3 cars, like the Dallara F305 or F308, or cars from regional series, pop up for sale pretty often. Prices are all over the place—maybe $50,000 for a used regional car, up to over $200,000 for a historic championship winner. They're popular for historic racing and track days.

Is Formula 3 faster than Formula 2?

No way. F2 cars blow F3 out of the water. An F2 car has about 620 horsepower, while an F3 car has around 380. F2 also has way more advanced aero and is heavier. At Silverstone, F2 cars are about 5 to 7 seconds a lap quicker. But don't get me wrong, F3 cars are still stupid fast—they hit over 300 km/h (186 mph).

What is the age limit for Formula 3?

There's no official upper age limit, but it's really meant for young drivers. Most of them are between 16 and 22. The minimum age for FIA single-seater championships is 15, but almost everyone in F3 is at least 16. You'll sometimes see a driver in their late 20s, but that's rare. It's a development series, so it naturally attracts the younger crowd.

Expert Insight: Why F3 remains vital

"The FIA Formula 3 Championship is the perfect proving ground. It teaches drivers how to manage tire degradation, execute overtakes under pressure, and work within a team structure—all while racing on F1's biggest stages. Without F3, the jump from regional F4 to F2 would be too large." – Karun Chandhok, former F1 driver and commentator.

Checklist: How to follow the FIA F3 Championship

• Watch the races: All F3 races are broadcast live on F1 TV, Sky Sports, and other local broadcasters.
• Follow the calendar: The season runs from March to September, supporting F1 events like Monaco, Silverstone, and Monza.
• Track the standings: The championship is decided by a points system (25 for a win, 18 for 2nd, etc.).
• Know the teams: Key teams include PREMA Racing, ART Grand Prix, and Hitech Grand Prix.
• Watch for future stars: Drivers like Gabriele Minì, Arvid Lindblad, and Dino Beganovic are current contenders.

Frequently Asked Questions