Have a look at the rules and regulations of the FIA F2 Championship for the 2021 season including the format and scoring system
Understanding the FIA Formula 2 which has been acting as a stepping stone for young energized drivers to showcase their driving abilities for a seat in the Formula 1. F2 events take place before the ultimate showdown in the Formula 1 to warm up the crowd.
FIA F2 Championship 2021: Format, Scoring, Points, Schedule, Rules And Regulations
A Whole Different Weekend Schedule
The most recognizable difference between the Formula 1 and F2 is that it follows a multi-race format to enhance the overtaking abilities of the drivers and to provide the audiences with a pure driving experience.
FRIDAY- FP1 and Qualifying
The first practice session is for 45 minutes where drivers get to learn the machines and have a feel of the track followed by the qualifying session of 30 minutes which decides the starting grid for the Sunday race.
This qualifying session does not follow the traditional knockout qualifying but every driver gets a free run for thirty minutes to set the fastest time of the session.
SATURDAY- Sprint Race 1 & 2
On Saturday, we witness two sprint races to ensure a fast and raw racing experience over the 120 kilometers or 45 minutes whichever comes first. As a result, (15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1) points will be awarded to Sprint race 1 and Sprint race 2’s Top 8 finishers.
The grid position of every driver is decided by reversing the top 10 finishers of Friday’s qualifying session for Sprint race 1 and the same format is followed in Sprint race 2 by reversing the top 10 finishers of Sprint race 1.
SUNDAY- Race Day
FIA Formula 2 is used to warm up the audience ahead of the F1 main race late in the afternoon or evening. The race runs 170 kilometers or 60 minutes whichever comes first and the points distribution is followed as (25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1).
2 points are awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap. However, the driver has to finish in the top 10 to make himself eligible for those points.
Tyre allocation
The new FIA F2 sporting regulations state that drivers will be provided with six sets of dry-weather tyres per weekend as compared to the five previously. Each driver will also be provided with three sets of wet-weather tyres and will also have four “prime” specification sets to choose from.
Car and DRS (Drag Reduction System)
The biggest difference in F1 and F2 is the similarities of the 22 cars on the track as all cars have the same components and are almost identical in terms of engine and performance. The only difference is the man behind the wheel. The chassis are designed by Dallara Automobili since 2018. The power base is a Mecachrome-assembled 3.4L turbocharged V6.
Drivers can use the DRS (Drag Reduction System) within the designated DRS zones anytime during the free practice and qualifying. However, drivers will only be able to activate DRS when they are less than a second of the car in front at the detection point.