Sitting at the pinnacle of motorsports, Formula 1 is the dream for so many. Although many aim for one of the 22 coveted seats, the road to F1 is not quite as simple. Many drivers taking chances in other series before finally reaching the top. For many drivers, including the current grid, making their way through the feeder series with the help of junior driver or driver development programmes was the key to their success.
There are many ways of getting enough points for the required super license. Nevertheless, many drivers make their way through Formula 2 and Formula 3 prior to F1. With the rising interest of women in motorsport, F1 Academy has also emerged as an alternative feeder series.
Over the last few years, the spotlight has shifted. An increased viewership of Formula 2 and Formula 3 events help identify where the stars of tomorrow are emerging from. But how do feeder series fit into the journey to the top and how do they work?
Formula 2: The Final ‘Training Ground’
Running on the same weekends as Formula 1, Formula 2 sees all 22 drivers compete with 11 teams. All 22 drivers are given machinery with the exact same specification from tyres to engines. This helps ensure that it is on-track battles which determine a driver’s success. It is here where Formula 1 team bosses expect talent to learn the art of wheel-to-wheel racing and the stress of making split-second decisions.
With 14 rounds all taking place during Formula 1 weekends, the two paddocks are brought together. Young drivers have the opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in motorsport. Following the three-day weekend structure of Formula 1, Fridays consist of a single practice session ahead of a qualifying session for Saturday’s sprint race with a reversed top 10 to maximise overtaking opportunities. After Saturday’s Sprint race, Sunday brings the final day of racing action with the Feature race. Only the top eight drivers will get points in the Sprint and the top 10 drivers in the Feature race; pole position also assigns an extra point.
With all this on-track action, it’s no surprise that figures such as Toto Wolff often appear at Formula 2 or Formula 3 events. These weekends are opportunities for drivers to showcase their development and capture the attention of the top teams for future promotions. However, while this close proximity can open doors for young drivers, it can also increase the pressure and demands of their on-track performances. Mistakes made on-track for a Formula 2 driver have the potential to carry long-lasting consequences in the context of their careers.
Promising Names
Out of all the names associated with the series, Red Bull’s presence in the feeder series is unmatched. Given the strength and breadth of their junior driver development programme, this can be no surprise.
2026’s only rookie, Arvid Lindblad, competed in Formula 2 with Red Bull backing in 2025. The British driver made history by becoming the youngest ever winner at 17 years and 254 days old. Finishing his time in Formula 2 with 134 points, Lindblad stood on the podium five times which included three race wins.
At the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, three Formula 2 champions made it to the podium: Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and George Russell. In 2025, the Formula 2 champion, Gabriel Bortoleto, and the runner-up, Isack Hadjar, were promoted to F1 at the start of the same season. This was the first time since 2019 when George Russell and Lando Norris got their seats at Williams and McLaren respectively.
Formula 3: One Step Closer
Before reaching Formula 2, drivers often compete in Formula 3 however this is not always a foregone conclusion. Just like Formula 2, Formula 3 is a single-make championship designed to accustom the young drivers with skills that are crucial later on in their racing careers. With 10 teams employing three drivers each, the Formula 3 grid is considerably more populated.
Formula 3 drivers also showcase their skills in a Sprint race and a Feature race across the 10 rounds of the championship after a single practice session on Friday. A 30-minute qualifying session on Friday determines the order of Saturday’s Sprint with the top 12 fastest cars reversed. For Sunday’s Feature race, the grid lines up in qualifying order from Friday. The top 10 drivers gain points in both the Sprint and the Feature race; pole position awards two points.
However, despite the additional opportunity for learning, not all drivers choose to make Formula 3 a part of their journey. Current Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli skipped Formula 3 altogether on his journey to Formula 1.
Many championship winners from both feeder series have gone on to enjoy success in Formula One. Former Formula 2 champions Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri have all fought for the championship during their career. Formula 2 runner-up Lando Norris is the current reigning F1 world champion having won his maiden title in 2025.
Formula 2 and Formula 3 have undoubtedly grown in popularity in recent years. The similarities among all three series enable successful drivers to showcase the skills they have spent a lifetime learning.
Feature image: Formula 2
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