Formula 2 unveils next-generation car for 2027–2029 seasons

Formula 2 has lifted the covers off a new era in Monza, unveiling the car that will serve as the championship’s latest stepping stone to Formula 1 across the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons.

Presented in the historic Italian Grand Prix paddock, the next-generation F2 machine has been conceived with a clear mission: preserve the series’ role as one of motorsport’s most demanding proving grounds while bringing its cars closer in appearance and behaviour to those driven at F1 level.

The timing is particularly fitting given F2’s recent production line of talent. Current championship leader Kimi Antonelli, Red Bull racer Isack Hadjar and Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad have all used the category as a launchpad towards F1, underlining its importance in developing the sport’s next generation.

For Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali, the new challenger only reinforces that pathway.

A closer connection to F1

Rather than starting from scratch, F2 has retained its existing Dallara chassis as part of an approach designed to control costs. The major visual changes centre on redesigned front and rear wings, giving the car a more contemporary F1-inspired appearance while also targeting closer competition.

An on-board starter is another significant addition, allowing drivers to restart their cars after a spin or stall without outside assistance — a practical improvement that should also reduce disruption during races.

Domenicali believes the package will ensure F2 continues to play its crucial role in preparing drivers for the sport's ultimate destination.

“Formula 2 is the ultimate proving ground for the next generation of Formula 1 drivers, where the very best young talent competes wheel-to-wheel and develops the skills needed to reach the pinnacle of motorsport,” said the Italian.

“This new car is another important step forward, combining innovation, safety and closer racing while maintaining the level playing field that allows drivers to showcase their ability.

“I want to thank His Excellency Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the FIA, Bruno Michel and his team, plus all the technical partners and teams whose collaboration has made this possible.

“We look forward to seeing the car on the grid, and watching this talented generation create their own stories as they fight for the opportunity to make their mark in Formula 1.”

Built to race, built to prepare

F2 boss Bruno Michel stressed that driver development remained at the heart of the project. The championship has kept braking performance, steering effort and cockpit ergonomics unchanged, ensuring the car remains accessible to a broad range of young racers.

“When working on this new car, our first goal was to ensure it remains the perfect tool to prepare drivers for F1,” said the Frenchman.

“Together with the FIA, we have opted for the current chassis and focused on redesigning the front and the rear wings. This enables us to keep the costs managed, while bringing the design closer to the look of an F1 car while enhancing the F2 car’s ability to deliver close racing.

“We have added an on-board starter that will simplify the operational side for the teams and will allow the drivers to restart their car after spinning or stalling on track, and we’ve been continuing our work with our partners Aramco and Pirelli on driver preparation, sustainability, and providing the fans with a great show.

“Our fans expect the F2 races to be highly entertaining and safe, and this new kit will deliver exactly that.”

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The new car will continue to run on Aramco’s advanced sustainable fuel and Pirelli tyres, maintaining the championship’s focus on sustainability alongside its traditional emphasis on wheel-to-wheel racing.

With three seasons of competition ahead, F2 has now given its future stars a fresh machine – one designed not merely to look more like an F1 car, but to make the final step towards the pinnacle of motorsport feel more natural.

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