FIA Formula 3 next-generation car unveiled in Monza

Photo Credit: Formula 3
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The FIA Formula 3 Championship took a significant step into the future today with the unveiling of its 2025 car, presented in the Formula 1 paddock at Monza. This new vehicle, set to compete in the 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons, represents a critical evolution designed to help young drivers ascend the ranks of motorsport, ultimately preparing them for potential careers in Formula 2 and Formula 1.

The new F3 2025 car has been meticulously crafted to align with the latest trends in Formula 2 and Formula 1, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of safety, systems integration, and performance—all while maintaining cost efficiency. With a focus on enhancing progression through the motorsport pyramid, the car is powered by a bespoke 6-cylinder 3.4-litre naturally aspirated Mecachrome engine, capable of delivering 380 horsepower at 8000 rpm.

In a move towards sustainability, the car will run on advanced fuel developed by Aramco, designed to comply with the FIA’s 100% sustainable fuel standard by 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2030 across the Formula 1 group. Additionally, the F3 2025 will feature new 16-inch Pirelli tyres, incorporating a natural rubber component certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The 2025 car’s design emphasises overtaking capabilities, promising even more exciting on-track action. The cockpit has been ergonomically enhanced to accommodate a wide range of drivers, ensuring inclusivity within the sport. The car’s systems will include advanced marshalling tools like the Virtual Safety Car (VSC), an optimised Drag Reduction System (DRS), and a new Marelli Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), identical to that used in the current F2 car.

The car has already undergone rigorous testing, with a successful shakedown in Varano last June, piloted by former F2 driver Tatiana Calderón. Since then, it has covered over 2,000 kilometres in various development tests. Teams are expected to receive their first cars by the end of December 2024, with additional units arriving in mid-January 2025, just in time for the official pre-season tests.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the unveiling as a pivotal moment in the FIA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing talent.

“The unveiling of the FIA Formula 3 2025 car marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to developing the next generation of racing talent.”

“This car is more than just a step forward in technology and sustainability; it represents a critical step in the FIA’s single-seater ladder.”

“By aligning closely with FIA Formula 2 and Formula 1 aerodynamics, the new F3 car offers young drivers an essential platform to develop their skills, preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead in the higher categories,” said Sulayem.

“In addition to updated safety and performance, we are proud that this new generation of cars integrates cutting-edge technology initiatives aimed at helping to reduce racing carbon emissions, running on advanced fuel that meets the FIA’s 100% sustainable fuel standard, just like Formula 1 from 2026. This demonstrates our commitment to work towards lowering motorsport’s greenhouse gas emissions while driving innovation,” he added.

“Moreover, the enhanced cockpit design reflects our ongoing efforts to make motorsport more inclusive, ensuring that drivers of all physical profiles have the opportunity to compete at the highest level. This new FIA Formula 3 embodies the FIA’s vision of a sport that is progressive, inclusive, and sustainable.”

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of the F3 Championship as a fundamental training ground for future members of the Formula 1 grid.

“The F3 Championship continues to deliver exhilarating racing, close title fights, and, most importantly, is a fundamental training ground for future members of the Formula 1 grid. It is important that the next generation of stars can continue to hone their skills in an F3 car designed to help all drivers progress through the motorsport pyramid.”

“This new car also takes a significant step forward in our sustainability journey by running on fuel that meets the FIA’s 100% sustainability fuel standard, an innovation that will come to Formula 1 in 2026. I’m excited to see it on the track in 2025, and I want to pay tribute to the great collaboration between the FIA and our Team, led by Bruno Michel.”

Bruno Michel, CEO of the FIA Formula 3 Championship, expressed his satisfaction with the new car, which he believes will offer the perfect preparation for drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1. He noted the car’s enhanced driving experience and comfort, aimed at making the sport more inclusive.

“I am very pleased to unveil our new F3 car, which will race for the next three seasons. Just like the current F2 car, together with the FIA, we have designed a machine that is challenging, safe, and the perfect tool to prepare young drivers who aspire to race in F1 in the future.”

“The 2025 F3 car has been designed to provide exciting racing, with a lot of overtaking opportunities. We have also worked to ensure this new car fits all types of drivers, taking into account the FIA’s requirements regarding the steering effort.”

“With this in mind, we have enhanced our car’s driveability and comfort to further ensure the new generation car is more inclusive,” he added.

“I’m also very proud of reaching another important milestone in terms of sustainability: thanks to our partner Aramco, the F3 car will run on advanced fuel, meeting the FIA 100% sustainable fuel standard as early as 2025, and several parts of the F3 2025 will use recycled carbon.”

“As always, controlling costs has remained a hot topic when designing the F3 2025, so we have made sure to keep them as low as possible. We have also ensured that this new car can be managed with 11 operational people, as per the Sporting Regulations.”

“Once again, I would like to thank our partners Aramco, Pirelli, Dallara, and Mecachrome, whose expertise and knowhow make this new car the best tool to prepare the F3 drivers on their way to the pinnacle of motorsport.”