F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, and making a career in it is every enthusiast's dream. The roar of crazy V6 engines, the marks of tires squeezing, and fast-paced racing cars dreamt of by many aspiring new generations. However, making a career out of it is challenging but rewarding too. This article will explore the initial steps that need to be undertaken to become a Formula 1 driver. Whether you are a new fan who just dipped yourself into motorsport or a die-hard F1 fan, this comprehensive guide will give you what it takes to be a F1 driver. Get ready to explore the different stages of racing for the new aspiring young racers of tomorrow.
Various Stages to Become a Formula 1 Driver: From Karting to the Grid
The journey from Karting to Formula 1 is a demanding yet rewarding one that requires dedication, skill, and perseverance. This article will guide you through the five key stages you need to conquer to achieve your dream.
Stage 1: Karting
Introduction
Karting, or Kart Racing, is a junior car racing series that involves small, open-wheel karts. They are also known as go-karts, which are inexpensive and can be easily accessible due to the small powered engines. Karting is one of the basic initial steps before getting into the F1 grid. It is the stepping stone for every motorsport race.
Well, those who are die-hard fans of Formula 1 would easily understand that it is one of the foundations to be followed before becoming a professional race car driver. For non-F1 fans, karting is just like an elementary school of racing. It is a starting point to enter the racing world.
Importance of Karting in Formula 1 Racing
Many famous F1 racers like Aryton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton have started their career in F1 from karting. Driving a go-kart is the most crucial step for an individual who wants to become an F1 driver in the future. Karting helps to master the skills of driving and the art of overtaking. One must vow to get behind the wheels of go-karting at age 8.
To understand about Karting more, Read our Beginners Guide to Karting
Skills Developed During Karting
One should start go-karting before joining the regional training school of racing and should be prepared to invest their time, money, and capital as motorsport is a costly genre. After joining the racing karting academy, an individual must learn to steer, overtake, and learn the racing tactics and analyze the terminology of motorsport. Discover the steps to becoming a professional go-kart racer
If you give better results, then you might be able to progress through the international karting championship hosted by FIA Karting globally.
Upgrading from Karting to Formula 4
As a kart racer, you must collect some points during the karting championship. These points will give open access to the world of Formula 4. Drivers who earned the most points with higher race finishes in the standings might be awarded the karting championship title.
Stage 2: Formula 4/Regional Formula Racing Series
Introduction
Formula 4, or racing enthusiasts may call it F4. Formula 4 is the first step where young racers would get to be introduced to the open-single-seater racing series. Formula 4, or the Regional Formula Racing Series, is an upgraded version of Kart Racing. These regional racing series provide a competitive racing environment for ideal beginners to upskill their driving persona.
Importance of Formula 4 in Formula 1 Racing
Drivers who performed best in the karting championship hosted by FIA Karting would move to the next round of racing. In Formula 4, the young aspiring racers get a chance to test their driving skills and learn the terminology of the motorsport realm. It teaches the mechanical straits as well as the vital racing technique used during the race.
F4 might also be called a Formula Regional Race, as the racing series might be organized by the regional country’s motorsport authority affiliated with the FIA. Some famous F4 regional races are the Super Formula in Japan, the Italian F4, and the Formula Regional Europe Championship.
Skills Developed During Formula 4 Racing
The F4 racing series is one step above the karting arena. The minimum age to get into F4 is 14–15 years old. Young, talented drivers might compete in the regional F4 championship. New racers will learn vital racing skills and will also learn about the mechatronics of racing cars, track positioning, and race strategy.
Upgrading from Formula 4 to F3 Racing
If you, as a racer, want to move from F4 to F3, then a racer needs to threshold his or her driving skills and perform well in the championship standings. Achieve more podium finishes in F4 to attract the attention of top F3 teams. Once you make it here, you can lead to contact offers from the team to join F3.
Stage 3: Formula 3
Introduction
Formula 3, or F3, is a single-seater open-wheel racing series that is hosted by the FIA. It is one of the main pathways to the world of Formula 1 racing. Formula 3 is a race where racers would be introduced to the F1 paddock and driver development programs for the first time since their karting days.
Importance of F3 in Formula 1 Racing
Now kudos to those racers who made it into Formula 3. As you are now entered into the realm of Formula 1. Here you get a chance to interact with professional racers who already made it big in F1. Many world championship-winning racers would guide you through your driver development program. Drivers will be introduced for the license system portfolio in the championship series.
Skills Developed During Formula 3
Drivers must possess the traits of super athletes, as entering Formula 3 may have difficult challenges. You need to learn more about the car and its technology. Peak physical conditions and mental resilience must sharpen your racer profile.
Moving from Formula 3 to Formula 2
As a racer, you must win and gain more points against your rivals. One must perform well with the machine and achieve points in the championship standings. By winning races, you may build a strong relationship with the F2 team.
Stage 4: Formula 2
Introduction
Well, you may see that moving from karting and reaching the Formula 2 racing series would take 10 years of your life or more. You started karting at age 8 or 9, but now you must be 17 years old or beyond to enter the Formula 2 feeder series. Guys, it’s difficult to be an F1 racing driver, but your performance will make your way to F2.
Importance of Formula 2 in F1 Racing
If you prove yourself behind the wheel, then top F1 constructor teams might sign you the initial driver’s agreement contract to get an F1 under the drivers’ development program. This is the place where competition will be intense, as every rival of yours will be fighting for an F1 seat. Unlike F3, F2 will also feature driver's license points to get a super license of Formula 1.
Skills Developed During Formula 2
You, as a racer, must be aware of every racing statistic and paddock hospitality. But remember, the F2 cars that you would be driving at the FIA Formula 2 championship might have the same configurations as those of F1. You might also get a chance to test real F1 cars for the first time to get familiar with the driving styles and try to gain experience for longer races, mandatory pit stops, and F1 management protocols.
Transition from F2 to Formula 1 Racing
Drivers must earn essential points by participating in every Grand Prix race. The racer with the most awarded points may be eligible for the FIA Super Formula 1 license. This license is a must for becoming a Formula 1 driver.
Stage 5: Formula 1
Introduction
Well, if you reached here under the section of F1, then you ultimately became an F1 driver. Formula 1 is everything about technology, speed, and fast cars. But what makes it special are the F1 drivers. Being an F1 driver, you achieve a FIA grade A super license, which is just like a golden ticket to get your first seat in F1. Now what you saw as being an F1 racer at a young age, you thrived hard to achieve this at last.
From karting to Formula 1, you may have come a long way. But when you look back, it is worth it. Becoming an F1 driver is one of the most F1 fans might dream of. However, making yourself at the final step into the F1 racing does not prove you are the best. The final call that every driver must make is to become a Formula 1 World Championship winner once in a lifetime. Yet another challenge awaits you. Are you ready for it?
Advice for the new upcoming F1 drivers
I hope you have read and understand better that becoming an F1 driver is a bit challenging, and once you get into F1, there’s no turning back. Moving from the lower series to the Formula series aims for heavy investment and capital, so my advice to young racing aspirants out there is to start at a very young age in karting to develop the foundation of racing skills.
Improve your racing knowledge and pursue sponsorships. Build networking to support your racing investing endeavors, and stay committed to your path. Who knows, you might be the next Formula 1 champion driver.
