FIA Formula 2 Championship
The FIA Formula 2 Championship is a second-tier single-seater championship organized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Held on racing circuits, the championship was introduced in 2017, following the rebranding of the long-term Formula One feeder series GP2. The series' original founders were Flavio Briatore and current managing director Bruno Michel.
| Category | One-make open-wheel single-seater Formula auto racing |
|---|---|
| Country | International |
| Inaugural season | 2017 |
| Drivers | 22 |
| Teams | 11 |
| Chassis suppliers | Dallara |
| Engine suppliers | Mecachrome |
| Tyre suppliers | Pirelli |
| Drivers' champion | Théo Pourchaire |
| Teams' champion | ART Grand Prix |
| Official website | fiaformula2.com |
| Current season | |
Designed to make racing relatively affordable for the teams and to make it an ideal training ground for life in Formula One, Formula 2 has made it mandatory for all of the teams to use the same chassis, engine and tire supplier so that true driver ability is reflected. Formula 2 mainly races on European and Middle Eastern circuits, but has appearances at other international race tracks as well such as the Albert Park Circuit in Australia.
While significantly slower than Formula One, the Formula 2 championship cars are faster than most other circuit racing vehicles. As of 2022, the F2 lap record for the Imola Circuit, while roughly 15 seconds per lap slower than Formula One, is five seconds per lap faster than LMP1 sports cars and the more junior open wheeler category Formula 3, and more than 20 seconds per lap faster than TCR Touring Cars.
The all-new 2024 design is aimed at closely mirroring Formula 1 cars in terms of safety, aesthetics, system functionalities, performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The development will continue over the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons, aligning with the gradual increase in sustainable fuel components, targeting 100% synthetic sustainable fuels by 2027.