How Many Formula Racing Series Are There? A Quick Guide
If you’ve ever watched a race on TV and wondered if there’s more than just Formula 1, you’re not alone. The world of formula racing is bigger than most fans realize. In 2023 we broke down the whole picture for you, and here’s what we found.
First off, the big names: Formula 1 sits at the top, drawing the biggest crowds, sponsors and media attention. Right below it sit the FIA‑run Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships – they act like the junior leagues where future F1 drivers cut their teeth. Both series use cars that look similar to F1 but are cheaper and easier to run, giving young talent a chance to learn racecraft and engineering basics.
When you go a step deeper, you hit the national and regional series. Many countries run their own Formula 4 championships, such as British F4, Italian F4, and Japanese F4. These series follow the same technical rules set by the FIA, but the cars are less powerful and the grids are smaller. They’re the perfect stepping‑stone for drivers who have just finished karting and want to move onto single‑seaters.
Major International Series
Beyond the FIA ladder, there are a handful of globally recognized formula categories. Formula E, the electric championship, started in 2014 and now races in major cities worldwide. Its cars run on fully electric powertrains, which makes the series a showcase for new battery and motor technology. Another fast‑growing series is Formula 2.5 – sometimes called the “Super Formula” in Japan – which mixes a bit of speed and technology that sit between F2 and F1.
Then there’s the historic Formula 3000, which was replaced by F2 in 2005, but some regional variants still use the name to describe their top‑level junior series. In Europe, the Euroformula Open runs a similar level of competition, attracting drivers who want more seat time before moving up the ladder.
Regional, Development and Electric Series
On the grassroots side, you’ll find various niche championships. Formula Student is run by universities and engineering schools, where students design, build and race their own single‑seat cars. It’s not a professional series, but it produces a lot of the engineers who later work in F1, Formula E and other motorsport departments.
In addition, there are regional electric series like the Asian Formula E Championship and the Formula E Academy. These give drivers early experience with electric powertrains before they jump into the main FIA Formula E championship.
Don’t forget the “single‑make” formula series that use identical chassis and engines, such as the Formula Renault Eurocup. They keep costs down while still offering high‑level competition.
All told, there are easily more than ten distinct formula racing categories when you count global, regional, electric and student series. Each one has its own rules, car specs and purpose, but they all share the same basic idea: open‑wheel, single‑seat racing that pushes technology forward.
So the next time you hear someone mention “formula racing”, remember it’s not just F1. From electric street races to university workshops, the world of formula cars is diverse, exciting and constantly evolving. Pick a series that fits your interest and follow the drivers as they climb the ladder – you’ll be surprised how quickly the landscape changes.
How many formula racing exists?
May, 5 2023