F3 2025, a design and development with inflation in the background

The new era of Formula 3 is here. The promoter took advantage of the season finale in Monza to lift the veil on its future, presenting F3 2025, the successor to F3 2019 which bowed out this Sunday at the end of the Main Race and the coronation of Leonardo Fornaroli, thus completing a cycle of 6 campaigns.

As expected, this new machine was developed in line with the F1 et F2 modern with a revisited and fluidified bodywork with the aim of creating a better show on the track. While reworking it so that all types of drivers (men and women) can take it in hand correctly.

« It is a machine that will challenge drivers, safe and perfect for preparing young drivers who aspire to F1 in the future., emphasized Bruno Michel, boss of Formula Motorsport Limited. It has also been designed to deliver exciting racing, with plenty of overtaking opportunities. We have also ensured that this new car is suitable for all types of drivers, taking into account the FIA’s requirements for driver effort. With this in mind, we have improved the handling and comfort of our car to make the new generation more inclusive. »

© Formula Motorsport Limited

Cost control above all

In addition to redesigning the curves of this new F3, the cost of the car has been one of the other major challenges of development. While inflation has been rising in recent years all over the world, on different scales, FML has been keen to prevent bills from soaring.

Thus, in close collaboration with Dallara and Mecachrome, the main technical partners, the promoter has ensured that production costs are controlled.

« The car is below what inflation has been for the last 6-7 years while the previous model was becoming rather old, continues Bruno Michel.

What we have done, we have obviously worked closely with our partners Dallara and Mecachrome, to make sure we “beat” inflation and keep costs as low as possible.. » Not to mention spare parts, another factor that can quickly become a headache with 30 cars on the grid each year.

Bruno Michel took the time to explain the challenges of developing F3 2025. © Eric Alonso /DPPI

« This is something we have worked on a lot with Dallara with a view to ensuring that prices do not increase as much as possible., explains the leader.

The last point, in the budget of a Formula 3 team, what is very important for us is to limit as much as possible the rest of the costs for the teams. This new car, even if it is more complex than its predecessor, has been developed to be operated by a staff of 11 people, the same number of staff we had until now.

We have been very careful about costs. If you look at the cost of an F3 season now compared to a GP3 season 12-13 years ago, the difference is not very big. This is something we have been keen to work on. The aim is to ensure that the junior categories are still viable in terms of finances. »

The F3 2025 shakedown took place at the Varano track last June. It was led by Tatiana Calderón. At present, around 2.000 kilometres have been completed, during which various work areas have been exploited. Further tests are planned.

As for production and especially delivery, a first model will be delivered to the teams at the end of December while the other two will be delivered in mid-January before the pre-season tests, the date of which has not yet been confirmed.

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