Formula 4 France: technical specifications and budget

If the Formula Ford and Formula Renault have long been the gateway to single-seater motorsport, since 2014, it is Formula 4 that has taken on this role.

Whether as part of an amateur championship or in the prestigious French F4 Championship, Formula 4 remains the most accessible single-seater feeder series.

What is Formula 4?

Formerly known as the French Formula Renault Campus, Formula Campus, Formul'Academy Euro Series, and later F4 Eurocup 1.6, Formula 4 is a motorsport category designed as an ideal stepping stone for young drivers wishing to take their first steps into the world of competitive racing.

It is often considered a springboard to more prestigious racing series such as Formula 3 or Formula 2, and some drivers even reach higher categories such as Formula E or Formula 1. Pierre Gasly is an example: in 2011, he participated in a single-seater championship similar to today’s F4, then called "F4 Eurocup 1.6". He was only 14 years old at the time and finished 3rd in the championship behind Matthieu Vaxiviere and Andrea Pizzitola.

With the proliferation of low-power single-seater championships, in 2013, the FIA decided to unify these competitions under a single set of rules. Thus, the FIA Formula 4 was born in 2014. Although recent, Formula 4 has its roots in the Renault Formula Campus, which appeared in the 1990s.

Each year, numerous Formula 4 series take place across Europe, Asia, and America. Formula 4 is now considered the preferred pathway for aspiring Formula 1 drivers aiming to compete in Grand Prix races.

In France, in recent years, Formula 4 has gained significant media exposure thanks to YouTuber Squeezie, who has organized the GP Explorer twice. This event brings together content creators for a non-official race at the Le Mans circuit, attracting a large audience and introducing the discipline to a younger crowd often unfamiliar with motorsports. With around 60,000 spectators on-site and nearly 1.3 million online viewers at each edition, the success was evident, offering a great showcase for the federation and Formula 4.

The different F4 championships around the world also give young drivers the opportunity to accumulate points towards obtaining a Super Licence.

Main manufacturers of F4 single-seaters

Several well-known brands share the Formula 4 single-seater market. The FIA stipulates that the car used in a championship must be the same for all drivers, but it can vary by country as long as it meets set standards.

• Mygale: A French manufacturer specializing in the design and production of single-seaters since 1985, which offered the M14-F4 until 2021. Since the 2022 season, the French specialist has been offering the M21-F4, equipped with an Alpine engine prepared by Oreca, as well as a brand new turbo. The safety halo also makes its appearance.
• Tatuus: An Italian manufacturer founded in 1980, a supplier of single-seaters for many international competitions. It produced the F4-T014 until 2021, since replaced by the F4-T421.
• Dome: A specialist in F4 in Japan, Dome offers the F110, inheriting from the 2006 F106, its last single-seater produced before the launch of the F110. This model demonstrates that the Japanese championship can produce its own race cars in compliance with FIA regulations.
• Signatech Automobiles: This manufacturer supplied the French F4 single-seaters until 2017 and also equipped other championships, notably the South American Championship.
• Ligier: Another French manufacturer, Ligier equips the American F4 Championship with the F4-16, initially called Crawford F4. This single-seater is powered by a Honda K20 engine from the Civic Type-R, limited to 160 hp to comply with regulations. In 2024, the JS F422 will take over, with a Ligier Storm V4 1.65-liter engine developed by Ligier Automotive.
• KCMG: A lesser-known Hong Kong manufacturer, KCMG designed the MG-01, a single-seater intended for the FIA Motorsport Games, used in the 2019 edition in Italy and 2022 edition in France.

What are the dimensions of a Formula 4?

The French Formula 4 single-seaters, compliant with Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) regulations, have specific dimensions. The length of a next-generation Mygale F4 (Gen 2) is 4,879 mm, with a width of 1,733 mm and a height of 1,044 mm. Its empty weight is less than 500 kg. The front and rear suspension use double wishbones with two-way adjustable shock absorbers (compression and rebound).

The 45-liter fuel tank is powered by a 100% renewable biocarbon fuel type from Repsol. The French championship was the first to adopt this fuel in 2022, paving the way for other competitions.

How powerful is a Formula 4?

In Formula 4, cars were previously equipped with a 2-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, delivering power between 140 and 160 hp, with a maximum rpm of 7,000 rpm.

In France, the Formula 4 cars were equipped until 2021 with the 2.0 F4R 416 Renault engine, installed in the Mygale M14-F4 FIA. These single-seaters could reach a top speed of 220 km/h, an impressive performance thanks to their light weight (560 kg, including the driver). Since 2022, they have been equipped with a 1.3 TCe turbo engine with 170 hp, still prepared by Oreca in Magny-Cours, allowing them to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds with a 6-speed paddle-shift sequential gearbox. The new model, the M21-F4, features a 100% carbon monocoque chassis with advanced safety features like the halo.

In other countries, Formula 4 competitions may use the Tatuus F4-T421, equipped with an Abarth 1.4 turbo engine, with power ranging between 160 and 180 hp depending on the year. Performance remains broadly similar to that of the Mygale.

The choice of tires is defined by the organizers of each championship, which means that the single-seaters may be equipped with Pirelli, Hankook, or Dunlop tires depending on the country.

Note that a Formula 4 car has no driver aids: no ABS or traction control. This allows drivers to focus on pure driving, which is very instructive.

Who Can Drive a Formula 4 Car?

Since 2022, the minimum age to become an F4 driver in France, through the FFSA Academy, has been set at 15 years. Whether in France or abroad, since its inception, Formula 4 has produced top drivers, some of whom are currently driving in Formula 1, such as Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, and Lando Norris.

A recent example is Kimi Antonelli, who will join the Mercedes Formula 1 team as a full-time driver in 2025. At just 16, he claimed multiple Formula 4 titles in 2022, including the Italian and German championships.

While a few young talents enter F4 directly, the majority of participants come from karting, where they acquire the fundamental skills needed before moving to single-seaters.

Depending on the country, there may be an age limit for participating in F4. For example, in Italy, drivers must be between 15 and 22 years old to compete. In contrast, some countries impose no age limit, allowing older drivers to take part in these competitions. In Japan, drivers over 40 even benefit from their own ranking.

Formula 4: A future category for young talents

The French F4 Championship is a crucial step for young drivers looking to start their motorsport career. With its affordable cost and a competitive level adapted for rookie drivers, F4 is the ideal stepping stone to higher categories such as Formula 3, Formula 2, and even the highly coveted Formula 1.

Each driver competes in 21 races spread across 7 events (3 races per weekend), mainly in France, but also in Belgium and Germany. The winner of the championship receives a €100,000 prize, helping them access a higher-level series the following season. This prize is a significant incentive for young drivers, even though a season in F3 can cost over a million euros.

In 2024, the French F4 Championship will stop at circuits such as Nogaro, Lédenon, Spa-Francorchamps, Nürburgring, Magny-Cours, Dijon, and finally Le Castellet.

Other F4 championships around the world

Beyond France's borders, there are many opportunities to compete in Formula 4. Since the discipline's creation, numerous national and regional championships have emerged, offering drivers the chance to race on prestigious and varied circuits.

Among the most renowned, the Italian F4 Championship is known for its very high level of competition, where young talents from various Formula 1 academies (Ferrari, Red Bull, Alpine) face off.

The German F4 Championship (ADAC Formula 4) also attracts many young European drivers on iconic circuits like the Nürburgring and Hockenheim.

In Japan, the F4 Japanese Championship stands out with a specific ranking for drivers over 40 years old.

The F4 UAE Championship (United Arab Emirates) is a competition held during the winter, giving drivers the opportunity to prepare before the European season. The races take place on world-renowned circuits like Yas Marina and Dubai Autodrome. The championship attracts quality teams and drivers seeking to sharpen their skills before taking on European competitions.

Other regional competitions, like the Spanish F4 Championship and the British F4 Championship, also offer excellent opportunities for young talents to progress, helping prepare them for higher levels.

How much does an FIA Formula 4 season cost?

Formula 4 is a relatively affordable single-seater category, ideal for allowing young drivers to start in motorsport without requiring exorbitant budgets. The maintenance and participation costs are significantly lower than those of higher professional categories.

The cost for a full season in the FIA French Formula 4 Championship with the FFSA Academy is €134,500 excluding VAT. This amount includes participation fees for events, two training days, the provision of the single-seater, as well as costs related to its maintenance and use during races.

In France, all single-seaters are identical and provided directly by the FFSA Academy. Drivers cannot participate with their own vehicle; they must rent the cars made available by the Academy, as the goal is to ensure perfect sporting equality.

The cost can more than double in other European championships, such as in Italy or Germany, while the French championship is known for its accessibility. To be truly competitive, it is recommended to add extra track days and training sessions. Additionally, some drivers choose to participate in multiple championships simultaneously to maximize their experience and performance, which significantly increases the season budget.

For those who just want to experience the thrill of single-seaters, it's possible to participate in a race weekend in amateur championships like the Coupe de France des Circuits or the Trophée Tourisme Endurance. Some teams offer rental options at more affordable rates, often with older F4 models, but the driving excitement remains the same.

The Feed Racing Initiative

The initiative launched by Feed Racing offers a driving school for young drivers aged 14 to 20, with an opportunity to win a full season in Formula 4.

For a budget of around €13,000 including tax, participants can take part in five driving days in an F4 on the Club and Formula 1 circuits at Magny-Cours.

This program includes the chance to progress to the final stages for an opportunity to win a full season. This format is particularly appealing for young drivers looking to start in motorsport but lacking the budget for a complete season.

How much does a new Formula 4 cost?

Buying a new Formula 4 represents a significant investment, with a price of around €100,000. This amount includes the chassis (about 25% of the price), the carbon fiber and composite bodywork (15%), the powertrain with the engine and sequential gearbox (50%), and the safety equipment.

However, you should also budget for maintenance. Depending on the number of races, and provided the car doesn’t suffer major damage, maintenance costs amount to approximately €25,000 per year. On top of that, travel and participation fees for championships can significantly increase the overall budget.

How much does a used F4 single-seater cost?

Given the high cost of a new race car, the second-hand market can be an interesting alternative. Due to the relatively young age of this category, it's possible to find competitive and well-maintained models. However, there are relatively few second-hand Formula 4 cars available on the market. You can find models compliant with the FIA 2021 regulations for around €65,000 to €70,000.

Older models, more readily available, are priced around €25,000 to €30,000. They are ideal for driving for leisure on a track or participating in some amateur championships.

Owning your own F4 allows you to learn single-seater driving during track days. The cost for a day on a track typically ranges from €150 to €500. However, make sure to check before registering, as not all tracks allow single-seaters during track days. Mixing with sedans or GT cars can sometimes pose risks.

To find the ideal single-seater, don’t hesitate to browse our listings of used single-seaters.

Conclusion

Accessible and instructive, Formula 4 is the first step for many young drivers towards a career in single-seaters. With a season costing around €134,500 in France, it remains one of the most affordable categories to start in motorsport while offering a demanding level of competition. Added to that are the costs of maintenance, travel, and race participation, making it a significant investment for those aiming to climb the ranks to Formula 1.

To better understand what it’s like to drive an F4, dive into the action with this onboard video. Discover the thrills and precision required to tame these single-seaters on track.

Onboard camera: get a closer look at the sensation of driving an F4

Bonus: Participate in an F4 driving experience

For beginners and unlicensed amateurs, the best way to get behind the wheel of a single-seater on a circuit is to participate in a driving experience. For a few laps, you can feel the unique sensations of driving a single-seater on track, while benefiting from the guidance of an instructor to drive safely and master driving techniques.

Discover the thrill of a single-seater on track

For Formula 1 fans, a Formula 4 driving experience offers sensations similar to F1 while remaining accessible to beginners who want to discover track driving. The program includes learning how to handle the paddle-shift sequential gearbox, mastering cornering lines, and optimizing braking distances to improve lap times, just like a real driver.

How much does a single-seater driving experience cost?

Single-seater driving experiences are often more expensive and less common than those with sports cars like Porsche, Lamborghini, or Ferrari. Prices range between €250 and €350 for a short session that includes 5 to 8 laps, following a briefing by an instructor. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a more comprehensive package.

These experiences are available at various driving schools on circuits across France, whether in Brittany, near Paris, Lyon, or in the southwest near Bordeaux. These offers are often available as gift boxes, making them a perfect gift for car or motorsport enthusiasts. Find all the driving experience offers on our partner's website.