Formula 2 is the final step before Formula One – but it’s also where careers stall, fade, or vanish completely. There are many components regarding how to get into F2, how to advance within it and what it takes as a person.
So, what are the factors that play into it?
Talent Isn’t Enough
The hard truth is that talent is not enough to get you through Formula 2 and onto Formula 1 alone. Like it or not, motorsports is a wealthy industry and a large portion of it is money and business orientated.
You can win the F2 championship and still get ghosted by F1. Ask Oscar Piastri – the 2021 F2 World Champion, but no seat earner in 2022. The truth is lots of things go into succeeding in the world of motorsport. It is timing, money and race politics. There are many talented drivers in the realm of F2, however there is also only 20 seats. If all of them are full, then those talents are out of luck.
Academy Protection Helps
Some have a head start due to their affiliation with an academy. For example, drivers that are under the protection of: Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari or Alpine.
The academies provide funding, guidance, and the most important thing when securing a seat – leverage. The academies push teams to give their drivers a shot and often due to their authority in Formula 1, it actually happens. Sometimes, even halfway through the season.
Sponsorships & Marketability
Driving fast ≠ a good driver. In Formula 1 you have to be the whole package.
Fast, camera-ready, smart and sponsor friendly. F1 is still a business, so it is going to be largely prioritising money and funding. Fans have to like you, and possible sponsors want to see you getting attention from the media and camera. This automatically means more money and coverage for their brand or products.
A driver raking in millions of dollars in backing, like Lance Stroll, is most likely going to win a seat over someone with better stats but no funding. A team wants money for new technology upgrades, better marketing budgets and so much more so than having a fast driver.
Brands want a face; teams want stability; and the sport needs drama.
The Window is Tiny
So many people want to progress into Formula 1, yet only a tiny percentile actually make it. The general rule of thumb is that if you are not in a seat 1-2 years after graduating F2, then your chances are rapidly
plummeting.
Motorsports is fast paced and quickly moves on. One poor season and you have the label of “not ready.”
Two seasons and you’re old news.
You have to stand out, and not many people do in Formula 1 driving.
Final Thoughts
Making it into the world of Formula 1 is not so much a ladder as it is climbing a moving one during a massive earthquake.
It is brutal. But when someone does actually break through and establish a name for themselves within the sport, it is magic.
Do you think you have what it takes?
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