2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship
The 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship was the fourth season of the FIA Formula 3 Championship, an open-wheel, spec-series feeder category to Formula One organized under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).[1] Featuring 30 drivers from 10 teams competing in identical Dallara F3 2019 chassis equipped with 3.4-litre V6 Mecachrome engines, the season comprised nine double-header rounds for a total of 18 races, all held as support events to the FIA Formula 2 Championship at venues including Bahrain, Imola, Barcelona, Silverstone, the Red Bull Ring, the Hungaroring, Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort, and Monza.[1][2] The championship delivered intense competition, marked by 11 different race winners, seven pole-sitters, and 16 drivers reaching the podium across the season.[3] Victor Martins of ART Grand Prix emerged as the Drivers' Champion, clinching the title in the dramatic Monza finale after a red-flagged feature race, finishing with 139 points—five ahead of runner-up Zane Maloney of Trident.[2][4] Maloney and Isack Hadjar of Hitech Grand Prix tied for the most victories with three each, while Oliver Bearman of Prema Racing secured third place overall with 132 points.[4] Prema Racing dominated the Teams' Championship, accumulating 355 points to claim their fourth consecutive crown, well ahead of Trident's 301.[5] Notable highlights included the season's nail-biting conclusion at Monza, where seven drivers remained mathematically eligible for the title entering the final round, and Martins' consistent performance with two wins and six podiums, leading the standings in all but one round.[2] The year also saw strong showings from emerging talents, several of whom progressed to higher formulas, underscoring the series' role as a key stepping stone to Formula 1.[3]Background
Championship format
The FIA Formula 3 Championship is a single-seater motor racing series sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), positioned as the third tier in the FIA's global driver development pathway leading to Formula 1.[6] Launched in 2019, it succeeded the GP3 Series through a merger that incorporated elements from both the GP3 and the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, aiming to provide a high-level, cost-controlled platform for emerging talent.[6] For the 2022 season, the series comprised 10 teams, each entering three identical cars to create a 30-car grid.[7] Each race weekend followed a streamlined structure with one free practice and one qualifying session held on Friday. The Sprint Race took place on Saturday, with its starting grid formed by reversing the results of the top 12 from qualifying; the Feature Race occurred on Sunday, using the full qualifying order for its grid.[8] The points system awarded 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 points to the top 10 finishers in the Feature Race and 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 points to the top 10 finishers in the Sprint Race, enabling a maximum of 39 points per weekend excluding bonuses. Pole position in qualifying earned 2 points, while the fastest lap in each race awarded 1 point to any driver finishing in the top 10.[9] All competitors utilized the spec Dallara F3 2019 carbon-fiber chassis, equipped with a standardized 3.4-litre naturally aspirated Mecachrome V6 engine delivering 380 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, and Pirelli tires for both dry and wet conditions.[10]Pre-season activities
The official pre-season testing for the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship was held at the Bahrain International Circuit from 2 to 4 March 2022, providing teams and drivers with their first collective on-track running ahead of the season opener later that month.[11] This three-day event featured morning and afternoon sessions each day, allowing the full field of 30 cars to complete setup work, tyre evaluations, and initial race simulations with the Dallara F3 2019 chassis.[11] Trident demonstrated strong early pace, with rookie Zane Maloney topping the timesheets on Day 1 ahead of teammates Jonny Edgar and Roman Staněk, while Hitech Grand Prix's Isack Hadjar set the overall fastest lap of the test on Day 3 with a time of 1:47.247.[12][13] ART Grand Prix showed competitive form throughout, particularly in long-run simulations, with Grégoire Saucy and Victor Martins posting times inside the top five across sessions, highlighting the team's preparation for a title challenge.[14] Reliability was generally solid for the new cars, though some teams reported minor setup challenges due to the revised aerodynamics and floor design, which were addressed during the test.[14] Off-track, teams focused on simulator programs during the winter break to optimize driver familiarity with the car.[14] Logistical preparations incorporated lingering COVID-19 protocols, such as enhanced testing and bubble environments at the Bahrain circuit, ensuring smooth operations amid global travel restrictions.[15]Entries
Team entries
The 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship featured a full grid of 30 cars across 10 teams, with no wildcards permitted under the series regulations. All teams utilized the standardized Dallara F3 2019 chassis equipped with 3.4-litre Mecachrome V6 engines, ensuring parity in technical specifications. The teams were a mix of returning entrants from the 2021 season and one newcomer, Van Amersfoort Racing, which replaced HWA Racelab following the German squad's departure from the series.[16] The confirmed teams, their bases, ownership, and key leadership are summarized below:| Team | Headquarters | Ownership/Key Notes | Team Principal |
|---|---|---|---|
| ART Grand Prix | Saint-Pierre-du-Perray, France | Founded by Frédéric Vasseur and Nicolas Todt; strong ties to Renault F1 Academy drivers in 2022 | Sébastien Philippe [17][18] |
| Campos Racing | Alzira, Valencia, Spain | Founded by former F1 driver Adrián Campos; family-run operation with emphasis on Spanish talent development | Adrián Campos Jr. [19][20] |
| Carlin | Farnham, Surrey, UK | British team with history in junior formulas; acquired majority stake by Rodin Cars ahead of 2023 rebrand, but operated independently in 2022 | Trevor Carlin [21] |
| Charouz Racing System | Žebrák, Czech Republic | Independent Czech outfit focused on engineering; known for cost-effective operations and occasional F1 testing roles | Bob Vavrik [22][23] |
| Hitech Grand Prix | Silverstone, UK | UK-based team with junior series focus; supported Mercedes and Red Bull juniors in 2022 | Oliver Oakes [24][25] |
| Jenzer Motorsport | Lyss, Switzerland | Swiss team with long history in open-wheel racing; emphasized driver development for European series | Andreas Jenzer [26][27] |
| MP Motorsport | Westmaas, Netherlands | Dutch squad with 30+ years in single-seaters; highlighted bold, colorful livery in 2022 | Sander Dorsman [28][29] |
| Prema Racing | Grisignano di Zocco, Italy | Italian powerhouse as Ferrari Driver Academy partner; featured prominent red-and-yellow Ferrari-inspired livery in 2022 | René Rosin [30][31] |
| Trident | Ossona, Italy | Italian team with operations in multiple feeder categories; maintained consistent blue livery with sponsor accents | Maurizio Salvadori [32][33] |
| Van Amersfoort Racing | Waddinxveen, Netherlands | New entrant replacing HWA; Dutch team with roots in regional formulas, entering FIA F3 for the first time in 2022 | Frits van Amersfoort[16][34] |
Driver entries
The 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship commenced with a 30-driver grid across 10 teams, featuring a high proportion of rookies—over two-thirds of the field—reflecting the series' role as a key stepping stone for emerging talent. Driver announcements unfolded from late 2021 through early 2022, with teams securing prospects from regional Formula 4 series, Formula Regional competitions, and a handful of returning drivers from prior F3 seasons or Formula 2. Notable rookies included Victor Martins, the 2020 French F4 champion backed by the Alpine Academy, who joined ART Grand Prix after a strong regional campaign. Similarly, Zane Maloney, the 2021 British F4 title winner supported by Red Bull, debuted with Trident, while Isack Hadjar, a Red Bull Junior Team member and 2021 French F4 runner-up, started with Hitech Grand Prix. Other prominent juniors included Oliver Bearman (Ferrari Driver Academy, Prema) and Jak Crawford (Red Bull Junior, Prema). The grid lacked gender diversity, consisting entirely of male drivers, underscoring the ongoing challenges in inclusivity within elite junior single-seaters. Returning drivers brought experience from previous F3 outings or higher categories, such as Juan Manuel Correa, who moved to ART Grand Prix after competing in Formula 2 and recovering from a serious 2019 accident. Other veterans included Lirim Zendeli with Carlin, following a partial 2021 F3 season, and Niko Kari with Jenzer Motorsport, a GP3 graduate. These experienced entrants provided mentorship to the rookie-heavy field, with teams balancing youth and reliability in their lineups. The initial entries for the opening round in Bahrain, organized by team, are as follows:[36][1]Mid-season changes
Several driver substitutions occurred during the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship, primarily due to health issues, visa restrictions, and team decisions related to performance or availability. These changes were concentrated after the opening rounds, affecting teams like Trident, Charouz Racing System, MP Motorsport, and Campos Racing, and influencing their strategies by introducing new drivers mid-season to maintain competitiveness. No teams entered or exited the series during the year. At the second round in Imola, Trident's Jonny Edgar withdrew from the championship after the Bahrain opener due to a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, missing the next four events (Imola, Barcelona, Silverstone, Red Bull Ring) while focusing on treatment and recovery; he returned at the Hungaroring. Charouz Racing System replaced Ayrton Simmons with David Schumacher for Imola, as part of ongoing adjustments to their lineup amid inconsistent results from their initial drivers.[37] Separately, MP Motorsport's Alexander Smolyar sat out Silverstone owing to visa complications as a Russian national amid UK entry restrictions, with László Ugran stepping in as a substitute from Euroformula Open; Smolyar resumed duties at the Red Bull Ring, ending Ugran's brief stint.[38] Campos Racing underwent a change ahead of the second round at Imola, where Oliver Goethe debuted in place of Hunter Yeany, who was sidelined by prior commitments and a subsequent wrist injury; Goethe, the Euroformula Open points leader, continued with the team and scored points on debut, helping stabilize the team's midfield presence. Charouz continued its frequent rotations, ultimately fielding eight drivers across the season due to performance and funding considerations, including Francesco Pizzi, Michael Jensen, and others in later rounds. In the season finale at Monza, Charouz substituted Alessandro Famularo for David Schumacher, marking yet another lineup tweak to optimize their end-of-year results. These substitutions highlighted the series' flexibility for rookies and experienced drivers alike, though they occasionally disrupted team cohesion without altering the overall championship hierarchy significantly.Regulations
Technical changes
The 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship retained the Dallara F3 2019 chassis without any major aerodynamic updates or modifications, continuing the specification introduced in 2019 to control costs amid ongoing pandemic-related measures.[10] The engine specification remained unchanged from 2021, utilizing the Mecachrome 3.4-litre V6 naturally aspirated unit delivering 380 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, with fly-by-wire throttle control and no permitted alterations beyond manufacturer repairs.[10][39] Pirelli served as the exclusive tire supplier, providing marked tires for dry and wet conditions inflated with air or nitrogen, in line with prior seasons and subject to minimum pressure requirements specified in the technical preview.[10] Safety standards carried over the mandatory Halo cockpit protection device as standard equipment, alongside fire extinguishers, master switches, and FIA 8853-2016-compliant safety belts, with no additional mandates introduced for 2022.[10] The minimum weight for the car, including driver and all equipment, was established at 698 kg, adjustable via ballast at Dallara-specified fixing points, while fuel usage adhered to approved batches without additives or cooling below ambient temperature, governed by engine management systems.[10]Sporting changes
The 2022 season introduced several modifications to the sporting regulations of the FIA Formula 3 Championship, aimed at streamlining the weekend format while maintaining competitive integrity. These changes were part of a broader restructuring to align more closely with Formula 1 support race schedules, reducing the number of sessions and races per event from three to two, following a trial period in 2021.[40] Qualifying was simplified to a single 30-minute session held on Friday, determining the grid for both races. The fastest lap secured pole position for the Sunday feature race, while the top 12 finishers from qualifying had their positions reversed to form the starting grid for the Saturday sprint race, promoting closer racing among midfield drivers. This reversal system encouraged aggressive yet fair qualifying performances, as lower top-12 results could yield a favorable sprint start.[40][41] Race durations were adjusted to shorter, more dynamic formats: the sprint race lasted 40 minutes plus one lap, emphasizing quick overtakes and strategy, while the feature race extended to 40 minutes plus one lap. These time-based lengths allowed for variability across circuits while ensuring races concluded efficiently before Formula 1 sessions. In the feature race, a mandatory pit stop for a tire change was required, regardless of weather conditions, to simulate real-world strategy elements without refueling, which remained prohibited throughout the championship. If the feature race started in wet conditions, teams were still obligated to execute this tire change, often transitioning to slicks if the track dried, adding a layer of tactical decision-making.[40][42] Penalty guidelines saw refinements to enforce track discipline, with repeated track limits violations—defined as all four wheels crossing the white line at designated corners—resulting in a drive-through penalty after warnings and initial time additions. This approach was part of a heightened emphasis on virtual safety car (VSC) deployment in 2022, used more frequently to neutralize advantages gained from off-track excursions or minor incidents, ensuring safer and fairer racing without full safety car interruptions. Stewards applied these consistently, with data from trackside sensors monitoring compliance.[43][44] The FIA also updated super licence point allocations for the championship, awarding 30 points to the drivers' champion to reflect its status as a key stepping stone to higher formulas, with scaled distribution for the top five finishers: 25 points for second, 20 for third, 15 for fourth, and 12 for fifth. These points, accumulated over the season, contributed to the 40-point threshold required for an FIA super licence eligibility over three years.[45]Season report
Round 1: Bahrain
The opening round of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship took place at the Bahrain International Circuit from 18 to 20 March 2022, marking the debut for newcomers Van Amersfoort Racing. Qualifying for the feature race occurred on 18 March, where debutant Franco Colapinto secured pole position for Van Amersfoort Racing with a lap time of 1:46.249, ahead of Roman Staněk of Trident and Kush Maini of MP Motorsport.[46][47] The sprint race grid was determined by reversing the order of the top 10 qualifiers, placing Zak O'Sullivan of Carlin on pole after qualifying 10th, with Oliver Bearman of Prema Racing alongside on the front row.[48][49] The sprint race, held on 19 March over 20 laps, saw Isack Hadjar of Hitech Grand Prix claim victory after starting third on the reversed grid and capitalizing on early chaos to lead from lap 2 onward. Hadjar crossed the line 1.589 seconds ahead of Bearman, with Aleksandr Smolyar of MP Motorsport completing the podium in third, 3.593 seconds back. Zane Maloney of Trident set the fastest lap of 1:51.231 on lap 3, earning one point. The race featured multiple collisions, including incidents involving Charouz Racing System drivers Filip Ugran and Enzo Trulli, who both retired after contact on the opening lap, contributing to a safety car period that neutralized the field until lap 4. Gregoire Saucy and Victor Martins of ART Grand Prix also failed to finish due to separate accidents later in the race.[46][50][48] Hadjar led all 20 laps after the restart, securing 10 points for the win and establishing Hitech's strong start.| Position | Driver | Team | Laps | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isack Hadjar | Hitech Grand Prix | 20 | 37:30.285 |
| 2 | Oliver Bearman | Prema Racing | 20 | +1.589 |
| 3 | Aleksandr Smolyar | MP Motorsport | 20 | +3.593 |
| 4 | Zane Maloney | Trident | 20 | +5.649 |
| 5 | Arthur Leclerc | Prema Racing | 20 | +5.664 |
| Position | Driver | Team | Laps | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Martins | ART Grand Prix | 23 | 46:47.389 |
| 2 | Arthur Leclerc | Prema Racing | 23 | +1.543 |
| 3 | Gregoire Saucy | ART Grand Prix | 23 | +3.461 |
| 4 | Roman Staněk | Trident | 23 | +6.012 |
| 5 | Caio Collet | MP Motorsport | 23 | +7.234 |
Round 2: Imola
The qualifying session at Imola took place on Saturday afternoon under dry conditions, with Trident's Zane Maloney securing pole position for the feature race by posting the fastest lap time of 1:41.180. His teammate Roman Staněk finished second, 0.065 seconds adrift, while Prema Racing's Oliver Bearman claimed third place, 0.124 seconds off the pace. The session highlighted Trident's strong form early in the weekend, as the top two positions went to the Italian squad.[55][56] The sprint race on Sunday morning started from a reversed grid of the top 10 qualifiers, placing MP Motorsport's Caio Collet on pole ahead of Van Amersfoort Racing's Franco Colapinto. Colapinto seized the lead after overtaking Collet at the start of the final lap to claim his maiden FIA Formula 3 victory, with ART Grand Prix's Victor Martins finishing second and Prema's Jak Crawford in third. The 10-lap encounter was marked by chaotic on-track action, including multiple crashes and contacts that led to several retirements, such as Jenzer Motorsport's Federico Malvestiti who spun into the barriers. A notable incident involved Campos Racing's Kaylen Frederick making contact with a Jenzer driver under racing conditions, for which Frederick received a five-second time penalty post-race.[57][58][59] Sunday's feature race unfolded in challenging wet conditions following overnight rain, which dried progressively and forced teams into varied tyre strategies—some starting on wets while others gambled on slicks. Roman Staněk converted his front-row start into a commanding performance, fending off a late charge from Bearman to secure his first career win by 0.745 seconds after 24 laps. Bearman held on for second, with Hitech Grand Prix's Isack Hadjar completing the podium in third; the race featured three safety car interventions due to on-track incidents and the slippery track surface. The wet-to-dry transition emphasized strategic adaptability, allowing drivers like Staněk to build a gap during the early damp phases. Colapinto's sprint triumph and Staněk's feature success provided early momentum boosts for Van Amersfoort Racing and Trident respectively, injecting competitiveness into the fledgling season standings with both scoring their initial maximum points hauls.[60][61][62]Round 3: Barcelona
The third round of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship took place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 21 and 22 May, serving as support races to the Spanish Grand Prix.[2] The weekend featured intense competition under hot conditions, with temperatures exceeding 30°C influencing tire management strategies across both races.[63] Qualifying on Saturday afternoon saw Trident's Roman Staněk secure his first pole position in the series, posting a lap time of 1:33.516 to edge out championship leader Victor Martins of ART Grand Prix by just 0.052 seconds.[64] Aleksandr Smolyar (MP Motorsport) completed the top three, 0.097 seconds off the pace, while Isack Hadjar (Hitech Grand Prix) rounded out the first row in fourth.[65] The session was tightly contested, with the top eight covered by less than 0.4 seconds, highlighting the competitiveness of the Dallara F3 2019 chassis on the 4.657 km track.[66]| Position | Driver | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Staněk | Trident | 1:33.516 |
| 2 | Victor Martins | ART Grand Prix | +0.052 |
| 3 | Aleksandr Smolyar | MP Motorsport | +0.097 |
| 4 | Isack Hadjar | Hitech Grand Prix | +0.210 |
| 5 | Oliver Bearman | Prema Racing | +0.301 |
| 6 | Zane Maloney | Trident | +0.325 |
| 7 | Arthur Leclerc | Prema Racing | +0.356 |
| 8 | Jonny Edgar | Carlin | +0.389 |
| 9 | Caio Collet | MP Motorsport | +0.412 |
| 10 | David Vidales | Campos Racing | +0.456 |
| Position | Driver | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Vidales | Campos Racing | 32:38.784 |
| 2 | Jak Crawford | Prema Racing | +0.892 |
| 3 | Caio Collet | MP Motorsport | +2.145 |
| 4 | Arthur Leclerc | Prema Racing | +3.210 |
| 5 | Zane Maloney | Trident | +4.567 |
| 6 | Oliver Bearman | Prema Racing | +5.123 |
| 7 | Isack Hadjar | Hitech Grand Prix | +6.789 |
| 8 | Francesco Pizzi | Charouz Racing System | +7.456 |
| 9 | Roman Belohrad | Hitech Grand Prix | +8.234 |
| 10 | Kaylen Frederick | Carlin | +9.012 |
| Position | Driver | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Martins | ART Grand Prix | 43:43.673 |
| 2 | Roman Staněk | Trident | +2.368 |
| 3 | Isack Hadjar | Hitech Grand Prix | +3.026 |
| 4 | Aleksandr Smolyar | MP Motorsport | +4.512 |
| 5 | Arthur Leclerc | Prema Racing | +5.789 |
| 6 | Oliver Bearman | Prema Racing | +6.234 |
| 7 | Zane Maloney | Trident | +7.456 |
| 8 | Gregoire Saucy | ART Grand Prix | +8.123 |
| 9 | Kaylen Frederick | Carlin | +9.567 |
| 10 | David Vidales | Campos Racing | +10.234 |
Round 4: Silverstone
The fourth round of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship took place at Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom, from 1 to 3 July, supporting the British Grand Prix weekend.[2] The event highlighted the circuit's high-speed challenges, including fast corners like Copse and Maggotts-Becketts, where wind gusts and close racing amplified risks for the 30-car field. With over 400,000 spectators attending the full weekend, the round offered substantial visibility for the series amid the Formula 1 festivities.[71] Qualifying on 1 July saw Carlin's Zak O'Sullivan secure his and the team's first pole position in the series with a lap time of 1:44.597, edging out Prema Racing's Arthur Leclerc by 0.064 seconds and Trident's Zane Maloney by 0.116 seconds.[72] Ollie Bearman qualified fourth for Prema, 0.167 seconds off pole, setting up a strong home challenge, while Van Amersfoort Racing's Reece Ushijima placed 12th, earning reverse-grid pole for the sprint race under the session's top-12 reversal format.[73] The session was clean but intense, with drivers navigating variable winds that affected lap times in the final sector. The sprint race on 2 July started from the reversed top-10 grid (with Ushijima leading from 11th overall), but chaos ensued early as Campos Racing's David Vidales, starting from pole, struggled with grip, allowing Hitech Grand Prix's Isack Hadjar to surge from fifth to the lead by lap 3.[74] Hadjar held off a late charge from ART Grand Prix's Victor Martins, passing him on the penultimate lap of 14 to win by 0.366 seconds, marking his second sprint victory of the season.[75] Ushijima converted his reverse pole into third place for his maiden F3 podium, fending off MP Motorsport's Kush Maini amid tight battles in the midfield.[76] The 32-minute race completed 14 laps without major disruptions, though several drivers reported understeer issues on the abrasive track surface.[77] In the feature race on 3 July, Leclerc capitalized on a strong start from fourth to overtake O'Sullivan at Brooklands on lap 2, pulling out a lead that he maintained through three safety car periods for 22 laps.[78] O'Sullivan recovered for second, 0.913 seconds behind, with Bearman completing the podium in third after a bold move on MP's Caio Collet at Stowe.[79] Collet finished fourth despite contact earlier, while Martins took fifth after a recovery drive.[80] The weekend saw multiple high-speed incidents, particularly in the feature race, where a collision at Copse between Hitech's Rafael Villagómez and Nazim Azman triggered the second safety car on lap 10, with both cars sustaining heavy rear damage from the 170 mph impact.[78] A separate crash involving Colapinto at Luffield shortly after added to the retirements, totaling eight DNFs including David Vidales and Roman Staněk, who spun out independently.[80] These events led to medical checks for involved drivers, including Ushijima's precautionary release post-race after minor contact, underscoring Silverstone's demanding nature.[81] No red flags were needed, but the incidents highlighted ongoing safety discussions for the series' high-downforce cars at fast corners.[82]Round 5: Red Bull Ring
The fifth round of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship took place at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, on 9 and 10 July, immediately following the high-speed battles at Silverstone. The circuit's demanding layout, featuring significant elevation changes and a high altitude of around 700 meters, influenced team strategies by reducing aerodynamic downforce due to thinner air, leading to higher top speeds and adjusted setups for tire preservation.[83] Qualifying on 8 July was highly competitive under dry conditions, with Isack Hadjar of Hitech Grand Prix securing his maiden F3 pole position with a time of 1:19.759, beating Victor Martins of ART Grand Prix by just 0.221 seconds. The session saw tight margins throughout the top order, as Martins initially trailed by only 0.014 seconds before Hadjar improved his lap; Oliver Bearman of Prema Racing slotted into third, 0.299 seconds off pole. A red flag with two minutes remaining, caused by Zdeněk Chovanec of Charouz Racing System stranding his car, ended the session prematurely, preventing further improvements.[84] The sprint race on 9 July delivered intense action over 21 laps, with Jak Crawford of Prema Racing claiming his first F3 victory in a dramatic contest marked by multiple interruptions. Starting from 10th after qualifying, Crawford capitalized on the reverse grid and overtook race-long leader Caio Collet of MP Motorsport on lap 14 at Turn 7 following a safety car restart, holding off Collet's late charge without DRS assistance to win by 0.626 seconds. Arthur Leclerc of Prema exemplified the uphill battles, advancing from ninth to fourth and closing the drivers' championship gap to leader Victor Martins to just one point. Incidents included an opening-lap safety car for Rafael Villagómez's retirement at Turn 3, a virtual safety car on lap 9 for William Alatalo's off-track excursion, and another safety car on lap 12 after contact between Bearman and Zane Maloney of Trident at Turn 1 eliminated the latter; minor spins at Turn 1 also affected several midfield runners, but no full red flags were needed. Bearman received a five-second penalty, dropping him to 16th. The top five finished as Crawford, Collet, Franco Colapinto (Van Amersfoort Racing), Leclerc, and Roman Staněk (Trident).[85][86] Sunday's feature race over 25 laps turned chaotic in heavy rain, rewarding wet-weather expertise as Hadjar converted his pole into a commanding first feature win, mastering standing water and a drying line to finish 3.251 seconds ahead of Martins. Starting on wets, Hadjar built an early lead but fended off pressure from Martins and the Prema duo of Bearman and Leclerc after a lap-19 safety car bunched the field following Chovanec's beaching at Turn 4 and a separate spin involving Crawford, Jonny Edgar (Carlin), and Collet at Turn 1. On the restart, Hadjar pulled away decisively, with Bearman and Leclerc completing the podium in third and fourth amid close battles against the Prema team's strong pace in the conditions. The altitude's impact on reduced grip amplified the challenges of tire management in the wet, favoring conservative strategies over aggressive pushes. Maloney rounded out the top five, while retirements included Kush Maini (Campos Racing) and Chovanec. No further safety cars were deployed post-restart, allowing the leaders to maintain their positions.[87][88]Round 6: Hungaroring
The sixth round of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship took place at the Hungaroring in Budapest, Hungary, from 29 to 31 July, serving as support races for the Hungarian Grand Prix.[2] The 4.381 km circuit, known for its tight and twisty layout with limited overtaking opportunities, challenged drivers in both wet and drying conditions across the weekend.[89] Qualifying unfolded under sweltering heat, with Alexander Smolyar of MP Motorsport securing pole position for the feature race with a lap time of 1:32.740.[89] Zane Maloney of Trident slotted into second, just 0.126 seconds adrift, while Oliver Bearman of PREMA Racing claimed third.[89] The session was disrupted by a red flag when Zak O'Sullivan's Carlin car stopped on track with 8.5 minutes remaining, limiting opportunities for improvements, though Smolyar held firm upon the restart.[89] Several drivers, including Oliver Goethe and Reece Ushijima, had laps deleted for track limits violations at Turn 4.[89] Goethe's eighth-place finish earned him reverse-grid pole for the sprint race.[89] The sprint race on Saturday, held in damp conditions, saw Caio Collet of MP Motorsport claim his maiden F3 victory after starting fourth on the reversed grid.[90] Aggressive moves at the start propelled Franco Colapinto of Van Amersfoort Racing into second from sixth, while Kush Maini of MP Motorsport advanced to third from seventh.[90] Collet pulled away to win by 8.789 seconds over Colapinto, with Maini 0.905 seconds further back.[91] The race was punctuated by two safety car periods: the first on lap 1 after David Vidales of Campos Racing crashed at Turn 2, and the second on lap 5 following contact between Brad Benavides and Ido Cohen at Turn 1.[90] A late incident between Jak Crawford of PREMA and Arthur Leclerc of PREMA at Turn 11 dropped Crawford out of contention, allowing Leclerc to recover to eighth.[90] Sunday's feature race remained processional, largely due to the Hungaroring's narrow configuration that hindered overtaking despite improving track conditions from damp to dry.[92] Smolyar converted his pole into a commanding win, finishing 5.560 seconds ahead of Maloney, with Bearman rounding out the podium just 0.025 seconds behind the Trident driver.[91] O'Sullivan charged from 17th to fourth after pitting early for slick tires, while Crawford held fifth.[92] Isack Hadjar of Hitech Grand Prix suffered a challenging afternoon, dropping to 19th after avoiding action early and pitting late for tires.[92] Roman Stanek of Trident briefly gained 10th but yielded the position after going off-track.[92] No major pit lane errors were reported, though strategic stops emphasized tire management over on-track battles.[92] This round marked the final event before the mid-season break in the Formula 1 calendar, providing teams a respite ahead of the resumed championship battles at Spa-Francorchamps.[2] MP Motorsport's double podium, including Collet's sprint win and Smolyar's feature triumph, highlighted their resurgence at the tight venue.[90][92]Round 7: Spa-Francorchamps
The seventh round of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship took place at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on 27–28 August, serving as support to the Belgian Grand Prix. The weekend was marked by variable weather conditions, particularly during qualifying and the sprint race, which tested drivers' adaptability on the demanding 7.004 km track known for its high-speed corners and elevation changes. Spa-Francorchamps has long been a pivotal venue in Formula 3 history, hosting rounds of the European Formula 3 Championship since the 1950s and continuing as a staple in the FIA-sanctioned series since its inception in 2019, where it has produced iconic battles and tragedies, including the 2019 fatal accident involving Anthoine Hubert in the sister Formula 2 category at Eau Rouge.[93][94] Qualifying unfolded in challenging wet-to-dry conditions after heavy rain earlier in the session, leading to a chaotic and unpredictable lap times as the track evolved. MP Motorsport's Caio Collet secured his maiden pole position with a time of 2:11.289, capitalizing on a late improvement to edge out Trident's Zane Maloney by 0.251 seconds, while Francesco Pizzi of Charouz Racing System surprisingly claimed third. The session highlighted the importance of track position, with several drivers, including championship contenders Victor Martins, Isack Hadjar, and Arthur Leclerc, struggling on intermediate tires and qualifying 20th or lower, underscoring the round's potential to shake up the standings.[95][96][97] The sprint race on Saturday was dominated by Prema Racing's Oliver Bearman, who claimed his first FIA Formula 3 victory in a drama-filled encounter lasting 1:07:07.734 for 14 laps. Starting from eighth on the reversed grid, Bearman led from the restart after a lap-nine red flag caused by a high-impact collision at Blanchimont between Trident's Zane Maloney and Campos Racing's Oliver Goethe, which saw Maloney's car flip and sustain severe damage, prompting barrier repairs and safety car periods. As the track dried, strategic tire management favored those who pitted early for slicks, allowing Bearman to pull away; Roman Staněk finished second for Trident after teammate Jonny Edgar received a penalty for contact with Franco Colapinto, with Alexander Smolyar third for MP Motorsport. The incident involving multiple cars led to post-race discussions on safety at high-speed sections like Blanchimont, though no formal reviews were immediately announced by the FIA.[98][99][100][101] In the feature race on Sunday, under drier conditions, Zane Maloney redeemed his sprint race crash by securing his maiden FIA Formula 3 win in 45:33.153 for 14 laps, with Staněk completing a Trident 1-3 finish in third after a late charge, sandwiching Bearman in second. Starting from second, Maloney overtook polesitter Collet at the start and maintained control through two safety car interventions triggered by debris and minor incidents, fending off Prema's Bearman. The victory propelled Maloney to seventh in the drivers' standings with 47 points from the round, while the top contenders recovered modestly—Martins sixth, Hadjar eighth—keeping the title fight intense heading into Zandvoort. Spa's legacy as an F3 proving ground was reinforced, with its blend of weather variability and technical demands often deciding early momentum in tight championships.[102][103][104]Round 8: Zandvoort
The eighth round of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship took place at Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands on 3 and 4 September, serving as support events for the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix. The tight, banked layout of Zandvoort, with its high-speed corners and extensive gravel run-offs, presented a unique challenge for the field, emphasizing precise driving to avoid excursions into the traps. The weekend was amplified by the massive local enthusiasm for Max Verstappen, who secured pole position and victory in the F1 grand prix, drawing record crowds to the circuit and heightening the atmosphere for the junior series.[105][106] Qualifying on Saturday was disrupted by a late red flag after Charouz Racing System's Francesco Pizzi spun into the gravel at Tarzan corner, preventing several drivers from completing their final laps. Barbados' Zane Maloney of Trident claimed pole position for the feature race with a lap time of 1:24.386, marking his second pole of the season and the first multiple pole-sitter in 2022. France's Victor Martins of ART Grand Prix qualified second, 0.289 seconds adrift, while USA's Jak Crawford of Hitech Grand Prix took third, 0.436 seconds off the pace. The session's truncation favored early pace-setters, setting up a competitive front row for Sunday's feature race.[107][108] The sprint race on Saturday afternoon started under reverse grid order, with Van Amersfoort Racing's Franco Colapinto on pole from eighth in qualifying. Brazil's Caio Collet of MP Motorsport, starting fourth, made a strong launch to move into second at Turn 1 but capitalized on early chaos to take the lead after contact between pole-sitter Colapinto and Carlin's Zak O'Sullivan caused Colapinto a puncture and forced O'Sullivan to pit. The race saw two safety car periods: the first on lap 4 following Spain's David Vidales spinning into the gravel at Tarzan corner, and the second later when Charouz's Francesco Pizzi stopped on track at the final corner due to mechanical issues. Collet held firm through the restarts to claim his second sprint victory of the season ahead of O'Sullivan in second and Hitech's Isack Hadjar in third, with the incidents disrupting the midfield and highlighting the circuit's unforgiving gravel traps that trapped several cars.[109][110] In the feature race on Sunday, Maloney converted his pole position into a lights-to-flag victory, leading every lap of the 27-lap contest for his second consecutive feature win and third of the season overall. Martins maintained second place throughout, fending off pressure from Colapinto, who rounded out the podium in third for Van Amersfoort Racing. The race featured intense battles in Zandvoort's banked turns, particularly Turns 3 and 14, where drivers like Hadjar and Crawford engaged in close wheel-to-wheel action for positions just outside the points. Multiple safety car interventions punctuated the event, starting on lap 3 when Carlin's Brad Benavides rear-ended Jenzer's William Alatalo at Turn 2 after locking the brakes, followed by further neutralizations on laps 12 and 19 due to incidents including Vidales beaching his Campos car in the gravel at Turn 2 and other spins pulling debris onto the track. These disruptions bunched the field but allowed Maloney to manage his tires effectively, while Martins' runner-up finish propelled him back into the drivers' championship lead by seven points over Hadjar heading into the final round. The gravel traps proved particularly treacherous, causing several spins and retirements as cars struggled to rejoin after off-track excursions on the sandy run-offs.[111][112][113]Round 9: Monza
The ninth and final round of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship took place at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza in Italy from September 9 to 11, serving as the season finale during the Italian Grand Prix weekend. With the drivers' title still undecided entering the event, the double-header featured intense competition among the top contenders, including Victor Martins of ART Grand Prix, who held a slim six-point lead over Isack Hadjar of Hitech GP. The high-speed circuit, known for its long straights and challenging corners like Parabolica, set the stage for dramatic racing and several incidents.[114] Qualifying on Friday was marked by tension and disruption, as Alexander Smolyar of MP Motorsport secured pole position with a lap time of 1:37.559, his second of the season. Championship leader Victor Martins qualified fourth, positioning himself strongly to defend his advantage, while Zane Maloney of Trident took second and Oliver Bearman of Prema third. The session was interrupted by a red flag after Hadjar, pushing hard for a top time to close the gap to Martins, lost control at the high-speed Parabolica corner, sliding off-track and crashing into the barriers, which ended his qualifying prematurely and dropped him to 16th on the grid. This incident at Parabolica, a sweeping right-hander taken at over 300 km/h, highlighted the risks of the Monza layout and dealt a significant blow to Hadjar's title aspirations.[115] The sprint race on Saturday morning saw Franco Colapinto of Van Amersfoort Racing start from reverse-grid pole after qualifying 10th, leading from the front to claim victory in a lights-to-flag performance over 18 laps. Colapinto, a strong performer throughout the season, fended off pressure from Bearman in second and Caio Collet in third, while a first-lap melee involving multiple cars at the opening chicane shuffled the order behind without major retirements. Martins advanced to tenth for one point, maintaining his championship lead, as Hadjar struggled to 27th despite his qualifying setback. Colapinto's win, his second of the year, underscored Van Amersfoort Racing's late-season momentum after a challenging campaign.[117] Sunday's feature race delivered the championship verdict in chaotic fashion, with Maloney securing his third win of the season by holding off Bearman across the scheduled 22-lap distance, crossing the line 0.6 seconds ahead after a late battle. Martins, starting fourth, maintained position through strategic tire management on the medium compound but received a five-second time penalty for exceeding track limits four times at Ascari. The race was red-flagged on lap 16 (with results taken from lap 15) following a high-impact collision at the second Lesmo chicane between Kush Maini of MP Motorsport and Brad Benavides of Carlin, with debris scattered across the track necessitating barrier repairs; an earlier safety car had been deployed on lap 10 after Enzo Trulli of Carlin contacted Benavides at the della Roggia chicane. Under the red flag, Martins' penalty was applied, but with the race shortened and not restarted due to time constraints, he was classified fourth behind Maloney, Bearman, and Jak Crawford of Prema Racing, earning 12 points to clinch the drivers' title with 139 points total. Hadjar, finishing 9th, could only manage two points, falling short by 16.[118][119] Post-race celebrations were tempered by controversy over the red flag's timing, which prevented rivals from gaining positions, but Martins was officially crowned the 2022 FIA Formula 3 champion, becoming the second French driver to win the title after Théo Pourchaire in 2020. ART Grand Prix's support proved pivotal for Martins' consistent podium finishes throughout the season, including three wins, though the team finished second in the teams' standings behind Prema Racing, which secured the constructors' crown by 54 points thanks to Bearman's runner-up driver finish. The Monza round's incidents, particularly the Parabolica qualifying crash and Lesmo collision, emphasized the circuit's unforgiving nature, contributing to a thrilling yet unpredictable finale.[120][121]Results and standings
Scoring system
The 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship utilized a points system that awarded points to the top ten classified finishers in both the sprint and feature races, with no points allocated to drivers finishing outside the top ten or retiring before that position. This system was designed to reward consistent performance across the weekend format, which included one sprint race and one feature race per event. Additional bonus points were given for pole position and fastest lap to incentivize qualifying pace and in-race speed.[122][123] In the feature race, points were distributed to the top ten finishers as follows: 25 points for first place, 18 for second, 15 for third, 12 for fourth, 10 for fifth, 8 for sixth, 6 for seventh, 4 for eighth, 2 for ninth, and 1 for tenth. The sprint race employed a scaled-down allocation for its top ten finishers: 10 points for first, 9 for second, 8 for third, 7 for fourth, 6 for fifth, 5 for sixth, 4 for seventh, 3 for eighth, 2 for ninth, and 1 for tenth. Two points were awarded for securing pole position in the feature race qualifying, while 1 point went to the driver achieving the fastest lap in each race, conditional on finishing within the top ten classified positions.[122][123] The drivers' championship standings were determined by aggregating points from all races, with ties resolved first by the greatest number of overall wins, followed by the number of feature race wins, then the number of second-place finishes across both race types, and continuing downward through the finishing positions until the tie was broken. If necessary, the results from the most recent race were used as the final tiebreaker, progressing backward through the season. For the teams' championship, points were calculated by summing the points earned by all of a team's entered cars in each race, allowing three-car teams to maximize their scoring potential through collective performance. This approach contrasted with series limiting to the best two results, emphasizing team depth in FIA Formula 3.[5]Drivers' Championship standings
The 2022 Drivers' Championship concluded with Victor Martins of ART Grand Prix clinching the title after a tightly contested season across 18 races, finishing with 139 points after two victories and six podium finishes.[4][124] Zane Maloney of Trident finished a close second with 134 points, including three wins, while Prema Racing's Oliver Bearman took third place on 132 points with two victories.[4] Points were awarded based on the championship's standard scoring system of 25-18-15 for the top three in feature races and a reversed top-eight grid for sprint races.[4] The full standings are presented below, showing the top 27 point-scorers; the remaining three drivers—László Tóth (Charouz Racing System), Nazim Azman (Hitech Grand Prix), and Hunter Yeany (Campos Racing)—finished with zero points.[125]
Of the 30 drivers, 22 were rookies in their debut FIA Formula 3 season, with notable results from newcomers such as Zane Maloney (second overall), Oliver Bearman (third), Isack Hadjar (fourth), and Franco Colapinto (ninth).[42] The top ten finishers earned points toward their FIA Super Licences, required for Formula 1 eligibility, with Martins receiving 30 points as champion, Maloney 25, Bearman 20, Hadjar 15, Staněk 12, Leclerc 9, Crawford 7, Collet 5, Colapinto and Smolyar 3 each (tied), and O'Sullivan 2.[45]
Teams' Championship standings
The Teams' Championship of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship aggregated points earned by each team's up to three drivers in every race and qualifying session, with all eligible results contributing to the total regardless of the number of cars finishing. Although all entrants utilized the identical Dallara F3 2019 chassis powered by a standardized Mecachrome 3.4-litre V6 engine, disparities in team performance stemmed from variations in car setup, pit strategy, and driver management, effectively creating constructor-like competition within a spec series. Prema Racing dominated to claim the title, marking their fourth consecutive Teams' Championship victory from 2019 to 2022 and extending their stronghold in the category.[5][125] The final Teams' Championship standings were as follows:| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prema Racing | 355 |
| 2 | Trident | 301 |
| 3 | ART Grand Prix | 208 |
| 4 | MP Motorsport | 195 |
| 5 | Hitech Grand Prix | 150 |
| 6 | Van Amersfoort Racing | 91 |
| 7 | Carlin | 57 |
| 8 | Campos Racing | 53 |
| 9 | Jenzer Motorsport | 26 |
| 10 | Charouz Racing System | 1 |
Race winners
The 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship featured 9 rounds and 18 races, consisting of 9 sprint races and 9 feature races, with winners determined across diverse circuits and conditions. Eleven different drivers secured victories, highlighting the competitiveness of the field, where no driver won consecutive races and rookies claimed 12 of the 18 wins.[3] Zane Maloney of Trident and Isack Hadjar of Hitech Grand Prix each recorded three victories, tying for the most wins.[3][4] The season's sprint races often produced surprise results due to the reverse grid format for the top 10 qualifiers, favoring midfield performers, whereas feature races rewarded strong qualifying and race pace. Notable rookie successes included Oliver Bearman's two wins for Prema Racing and Zak O'Sullivan's debut victory for Carlin, underscoring the series' role in nurturing emerging talent.[2] Roman Staněk of Trident achieved two sprint race wins, demonstrating consistency in shorter formats, while single-race victors like Juan Manuel Correa and Arthur Leclerc marked personal milestones amid intense battles.[3]| Round | Circuit | Sprint Race Winner (Team) | Feature Race Winner (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bahrain International Circuit | Isack Hadjar (Hitech Grand Prix) | Victor Martins (ART Grand Prix) |
| 2 | Imola | Franco Colapinto (Van Amersfoort Racing) | Roman Staněk (Trident) |
| 3 | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | David Vidales (Campos Racing) | Victor Martins (ART Grand Prix) |
| 4 | Silverstone Circuit | Isack Hadjar (Hitech Grand Prix) | Arthur Leclerc (Prema Racing) |
| 5 | Red Bull Ring | Jak Crawford (Prema Racing) | Isack Hadjar (Hitech Grand Prix) |
| 6 | Hungaroring | Isack Hadjar (Hitech Grand Prix) | Alexander Smolyar (MP Motorsport) |
| 7 | Spa-Francorchamps | Jonny Edgar (Van Amersfoort Racing) | Zane Maloney (Trident) |
| 8 | Circuit Zandvoort | Oliver Bearman (Prema Racing) | Zane Maloney (Trident) |
| 9 | Monza | Franco Colapinto (Van Amersfoort Racing) | Zane Maloney (Trident) |