A recurring complaint among fans of Formula 1’s junior categories, Formula 2 (F2) and Formula 3 (F3), is the difficulty young drivers face in securing a seat in F1. Despite producing championship-winning talent, many drivers remain stuck in reserve roles or wait for established drivers to retire before securing an opportunity. This situation was especially evident in the off-season of 2023 when no changes were made to the F1 grid, a rarity in recent years. However, by 2025, the F1 grid will see at least four fresh faces: Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Jack Doohan (Alpine), Oliver Bearman (Haas), and Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber). All these drivers have spent significant time climbing the F2 ladder, showcasing their readiness for F1.
Bruno Michel, CEO of F2 and F3, emphasizes that the goal of these series is to ensure that drivers are prepared for the top-tier competition. He acknowledges that the system generally works, as most drivers promoted to F1 are ready for the challenge. However, not all top talents make the leap, as seen with drivers like Logan Sargent, who struggled at Williams before being replaced midway through 2024. The disparity between F2 and F1 cars, particularly the shift in F1’s technology to ground-effect aerodynamics in 2022, can create a challenging gap for some drivers.
The progression from F2 to F1 has often depended on timing and available seats, with F1 teams preferring experienced drivers in certain cases. Nevertheless, the success of young drivers like Oscar Piastri and Bearman has boosted teams’ confidence in promoting up-and-coming talents. This shift reflects the growing belief that some young drivers, despite the challenges, can make an immediate impact.
Prema Racing’s team principal, Rene Rosin, concurs, noting that the system works but is constrained by the limited number of F1 seats available. F2 and F3 have proven to be effective training grounds, with drivers like Piastri and Verstappen, who came through the junior ranks, now competing at the highest level.
The introduction of an 11th team, Cadillac, for 2026 could slightly increase opportunities for F2 drivers, though only one of the new seats may likely go to a rookie. While there are discussions on potential improvements to the system, such as modifying the sprint race format, the reality remains that only a limited number of drivers can make it to F1 each year.
While the system is not perfect, it is far from broken. The pyramid structure, although restrictive, ensures that only the most prepared and talented drivers make it to F1, benefiting motorsport as a whole by pushing the level of competition across various series. As the driver market continues to evolve, the influx of talent will maintain the competitive edge of F1, with drivers seeking opportunities in other top-tier racing categories if F1 positions remain limited. Thus, the current pathway is as close to perfection as possible within the sport’s structure.
