Formula 2 Championship unveils the 2024 car, build to encourage wheel-to-wheel racing and exciting on-track action for the next three years
Last week, during the Italian GP, FIA Formula 2 presented the new single-seater that will run until the 2026 season. The changes were made to make it as similar as possible to a Formula 1 car. Let’s see them in detail.
Towards a more sustainable future
The 2024 F2 car is powered by a 3.4-liter turbocharged Mecachrome engine. The goal for 2027 is to use 100 % synthetic sustainable fuel; in 2024 the cars will continue to run on Aramco 55% bio-sourced sustainable fuel, which was successfully introduced in 2023.
What’s new for 2024?! 🔎🆕#F2 #RoadToF1 @fia pic.twitter.com/dAVf0rFsfv
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) August 31, 2023
The new front and rear wing
The brand-new design of the rear wing was one of the biggest surprises of the car launch. The goal is to optimize the Drag Reduction System (DRS) with the rounder design of the rear wing.
The new floor, nose, and front wing improve ground effect and aerodynamic performance, increasing duels on track.
More inclusivity
It has always been said that tall drivers in Motorsport are disadvantaged. From next year, in Formula 2, the dimensions of the cockpit in the new cars have been increased. Improving the drivability and the comfort of the car for drivers of different stature.
Reasonable costs
Cost control is still one of the main concerns for the FIA. This is why they choose to use the seam gearbox, engine, and a lot of carried-over parts from the previous car.
Closer to F1
The changes in these new cars aim to make them more similar to the F1 cars in terms of safety, look, systems, performance, sustainability, and accessibility.
The car systems will still include marshaling, such as Virtual Safety Car (VSC), and the electronics have been enhanced with a new Marelli Vehicle Control Unit (VCU).
FIA Deputy President for Sport, Robert Reid, said: “This significant step will bring Formula 2 closer to the pinnacle of motorsport, ensuring that the next generation of drivers get the best possible preparation for the future and also put on a fantastic show for the fans around the world.”
Reflecting on a historic day for Formula 2, the introduction of our brand new 2024 car 🤩#ItalianGP #F2 @fia pic.twitter.com/j49v0ktplN
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) August 31, 2023
The first shake-down and the delivery of the car to the teams
In July the first shakedown of the new car it took place in Varano. Behind the wheel was former Formula 2 driver Tatiana Calderon, the first woman to compete in the series in 2019.
The shakedown was a success, but the improvements to the car do not stop here. Following the unveiling, new tests will take place with different drivers. For example 2022 FIA Formula 2 Champion Felipe Drugovich will have a go.
The team will receive one of the two cars before the end of December. They will start to work on the single-seater to understand the best way to exploit their potential. The second car will be delivered in mid-January 2024, before the tests featuring all the teams where they will run only one car.
An opportunity for the rookies
Undoubtedly, the introduction of a new car could be an opportunity for the drivers who will join the F2 grid next year. In fact, even those who raced the previous years will have to adapt to a new car and, perhaps, change their driving style.
Therefore, could next season be won by a rookie in front of more experienced drivers?
