What Is 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship

Overview

The 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship served as the official feeder series for Formula 2 and, by extension, Formula 1. It marked the fourth season since the reestablishment of FIA F3 in 2019, replacing the GP3 Series and merging with the FIA Formula 3 European Championship structure.

Competing across nine rounds, each supporting select Formula 1 Grand Prix events, the series showcased young talent from around the world. The season began in Bahrain and concluded in Italy, providing crucial development opportunities for drivers aiming to climb the motorsport ladder.

• 18 races were held over the course of the season, with two races per round: one reverse-grid and one based on qualifying times.
• All teams used the Dallara F3 2019 chassis, ensuring competition focused on driver skill rather than technical advantages.
• Victor Martins, representing ART Grand Prix, clinched the Drivers' Championship with a total of 150 points despite missing one round due to illness.
• The final round in Monza, Italy, on September 11, 2022, decided the championship after a tight battle between Martins and Zane Maloney.
• ART Grand Prix won the Teams' Championship with consistent performances across both drivers, securing 258 points overall.

How It Works

The FIA Formula 3 Championship operates as a single-make series designed to balance cost-efficiency with high-level competition. Each round follows a standardized format aligned with Formula 1 race weekends.

• Qualifying Format: A single 30-minute session determines the grid for Race 1. The top 10 are reversed for Race 2’s starting order. This promotes unpredictability and overtaking.
• Race Structure: Each round includes two races: Race 1 is 120 kilometers, and Race 2 is 100 kilometers, both typically lasting 30–40 minutes.
• Points System: Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers in each race, with 15 points for first place, decreasing to 1 for tenth, plus 2 for fastest lap.
• Driver Eligibility: Competitors must hold an FIA International Grade A or B license and be part of recognized young driver programs from F1 teams or national federations.
• Technical Regulations: All cars use Mecachrome 3.4L naturally aspirated V6 engines, producing around 380 horsepower, with no traction control or ABS systems.
• Cost Control: The FIA mandates a budget cap of €600,000 per team per season to ensure parity and accessibility for smaller outfits.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2022 FIA F3 Championship compares to other major single-seater series in terms of structure and performance metrics.

The FIA F3 series sits below Formula 2 in the FIA’s Global Pathway, emphasizing driver development over engineering innovation. Its standardized platform allows talent to shine without budget disparities dominating results.

Why It Matters

The 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship played a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsport, serving as a proving ground for tomorrow’s Formula 1 stars.

• Driver Development: The series helped refine skills for future F1 prospects like Oliver Bearman, who later joined Ferrari’s academy.
• Team Pipeline: Success in F3 often leads to F2 contracts; ART Grand Prix used its 2022 title to attract top junior drivers.
• Global Representation: Drivers from 15 countries participated, highlighting the sport’s increasing internationalization and diversity.
• Cost Efficiency: The single-chassis model keeps entry affordable, enabling talented drivers from modest backgrounds to compete.
• Media Exposure: Broadcasting alongside F1 events gave drivers visibility with a global audience averaging 80 million viewers per race weekend.
• Technical Training: Working with Pirelli tires and Mecachrome power units prepares drivers for the complexities of higher formulae.

With its blend of competitive racing and developmental focus, the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship reinforced its status as an essential step in the journey to elite motorsport.