2026 live
Last race
Loading…
Formula 3 is a rung on the single-seater ladder, sitting between Formula 4 and Formula 2. Young drivers are still learning how to race at this level, and it shows in the best way. Every team runs the same type of car, so results come down to driver skill, race craft and team preparation. The racing is close, the passes are bold, and mistakes are common. Fans love it for that mix of raw talent and real risk.
The Formula 3 name goes back to 1950, when it began as a low-cost category for small-engined cars in Britain. For decades it ran as a set of national championships, and the Macau Grand Prix became its most famous showcase. The modern FIA Formula 3 Championship started in 2019, when the GP3 Series and the European F3 Championship were merged into one international series that often races on Formula 1 weekends.
How it works
- A race weekend usually includes practice, a qualifying session and two races, so there are several chances to see the cars on track.
- Every team uses the same type of car, so the gaps are small and slipstreaming makes overtakes common.
- The shorter sprint race usually starts from a grid based on the qualifying result, with part of the order reversed, which adds to the action.
- The longer feature race tends to bring in tyre management and strategy, and points reward the best finishers.
2026 schedule
- Loading schedule…
Showing the most recent and next events. Full calendar: official site.
Fan tips
- Arrive early. Support races often run before the main event, and you won't want to miss the first sessions.
- Learn the names of the leading drivers and teams before you go. Many of them move up the ladder, so you can say you saw them early.
- Pick a corner with heavy braking, like a hairpin or a chicane at the end of a long straight. That is where most of the overtaking happens.
- When you can't be at the track, follow the live timing and onboard feeds to see the gaps and tyre battles that TV cameras can miss.
Legends of F3
Books, biographies and collectibles about the series' greats.
FAQ
What is Formula 3?
Formula 3 is an open-wheel, single-seater racing category that develops young drivers on their way toward Formula 1. The modern FIA Formula 3 Championship has run since 2019. It sits one step below Formula 2.
How is Formula 3 different from Formula 2?
Formula 3 cars are smaller and less powerful than Formula 2 cars, and the drivers are generally younger and less experienced. Both series use identical cars across the field, so driver skill matters most. Formula 2 is the final step before Formula 1.
Do all Formula 3 teams use the same car?
Yes. The series uses a single-specification car built by Dallara, with standard tyres from Pirelli. Teams can adjust settings such as suspension and aerodynamic balance, but they can't build their own cars.
Which famous drivers raced in Formula 3?
Many of the sport's biggest names came up through Formula 3 or earlier national F3 championships. Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher are two famous examples. Winning in F3 has long been a way for young drivers to get noticed.