F3 – Financial grants for rookies

Since 2014, the European Championship of F3 is one of the main providers of young talents destined for the premier category of the F1. Max Verstappen is one of the best examples, after a rookie year in 2014 punctuated by a third place in the general classification before turning to F1 and Toro Rosso, to finally be tenured at Red Bull with the results that we know (a victory in particular in Spain).

French Esteban Ocon, pilot Mercedes Junior and seconded to Renault Sport F1 Team, or even the Monegasque Charles Leclerc, integrated into the Ferrari Driver Academy and seen in free practice at Haas F1 Team, have also successfully followed this European F3 route.

Enough to encourage the organizers of the championship to attract more and more young talents from the F4 championships, or even the karting, by offering attractive financial grants. The winner of the “rookie” championship in European F3 will be awarded €100, and €000 will be distributed to the second and third, provided they complete another year in 50.

Drivers and teams will also be rewarded in 2017. “To most effectively prepare pilots for the higher echelons, we believe it is best for a pilot to remain on the series for at least two consecutive seasons, explains Stefano Domenicali, president of the commission car to the FIA.

The newly introduced awards are a reward for good results during a rookie season, but at the same time should encourage drivers to stay for another year and gain more experience. »

Currently, Joel Eriksson (Motopark) is ahead of the Frenchman Anthoine Hubert (Van Amersfoort Racing) and the Briton Ben Barnicoat (Hitech GP) in the Rookie ranking.