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Formula 2 Unveils New Car for 2027-2029 Seasons: Enhanced Racing and Driver Preparation

Formula 2 has officially unveiled its new vehicle for the upcoming 2027, 2028, and 2029 racing seasons, a crucial step in preparing aspiring drivers for Formula 1. The grand reveal took place at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy. This latest iteration of the F2 car maintains the proven Dallara chassis from the 2026 model, primarily focusing on significant aerodynamic modifications. The primary objective behind these design changes, particularly to the front and rear wings, is to facilitate more intimate wheel-to-wheel racing, moving away from isolated driving. This approach aligns with the new Formula 1 regulations, prioritizing enhanced airflow to promote competitive action on the track.

While the car's aesthetic has been modernized to more closely resemble current F1 machines, the fundamental mechanical components largely remain consistent. Powering the vehicle is a 3.4-liter single-turbocharged V6 engine from Mecachrome, generating 620 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 570 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The existing fly-by-wire accelerator system is retained, and engines are slated for refurbishment after approximately 8,000 km of use. Aramco's advanced sustainable fuel, successfully integrated into Formula 2 since 2025, will continue to be utilized. Pirelli, the exclusive tire supplier since 2017, will also provide specially developed tires for the series.

A notable functional improvement in the 2027 model is the introduction of an on-board starter. This innovation allows drivers to re-engage the engine if it stalls during a race, an update facilitated by modifications to the Hewland gearbox. The FIA Formula 2 championship upholds the braking, steering, and cockpit design standards established in 2024, with Marelli's electronic and hydraulic systems, including the EM Motorsport Marshalling system, remaining in place. Safety is paramount, with the Dallara-designed survival cell featuring a carbon-aluminum honeycomb composite and Zylon panels. The car's construction incorporates carbon structures for the front and rear wings, and carbon-Kevlar honeycomb panels for the bodywork. Its dimensions are 5,284 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, 1,097 mm in height (including the FOM roll-hoop camera), and it boasts a wheelbase of 3,135 mm.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that Formula 2 is instrumental in nurturing future top drivers. He highlighted that the new 2027 car significantly improves safety, promotes closer racing, enhances accessibility, and reaffirms a commitment to sustainability. Developed in collaboration with Formula 2 and technical partners, this car is engineered to challenge young drivers and prepare them for elite competition, while simultaneously offering fans more engaging races. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, echoed these sentiments, noting that F2 serves as the ultimate proving ground for the next generation of F1 talent. He praised the new car as a crucial advancement, blending innovation, safety, and competitive racing, all while ensuring a level playing field for drivers to demonstrate their capabilities.

Bruno Michel, CEO of FIA Formula 2, explained that the primary goal in designing this new car was to ensure it remains the ideal platform for F1 preparation. By retaining the current chassis and focusing on redesigning the wings, the team managed costs while giving the car an aesthetic closer to F1 vehicles and improving its ability to facilitate close racing. He further detailed that the on-board starter will streamline team operations and allow drivers to quickly recover from spins or stalls. Collaborations with Aramco and Pirelli continue to focus on driver development, sustainability, and delivering exciting spectacles for fans. The first prototype of the car underwent testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in June, followed by extensive development work with Dallara, including wind-tunnel and aerodynamic assessments. Teams are scheduled to receive the initial component kits in December 2026 and the remaining kits in January 2027.

The strategic decision to maintain the existing chassis while refining airflow and incorporating a starter motor represents a thoughtful progression. This approach ensures financial prudence while directly enhancing the racing experience. Ultimately, the new F2 car aims not to revolutionize the series, but to amplify the visibility of the exceptional talent within it, making their journey to Formula 1 even more compelling for audiences.