Written by Vyas Ponnuri
Formula 2 revealed its new, gleaming car for 2024, a new step up in the history of the series so far. The car is set to be used for 2024, 2025, and 2026, as per Formula 2's usual three-year cycle.
While the new Formula 2 cars have little in resemblance to the machinery used in the present, they will continue to be powered by the 3.4 Litre turbo-charged Mechacrome engine, designed in accordance with Formula 2's future plans. It will also be able to accommodate Aramco's new synthetic fuel in 2025. The car will continue to be powered by the 55% sustainable fuels for 2024, a feature introduced before the start of the 2023 season.
The new, striking Formula 2 machine attempts to resemble the current spec ground effect Formula One cars, as reflected by its design philosophy. In addition, the massive rear wing, new floor, front wing and bodywork are set to aid overtaking, and allow drivers to race wheel-to-wheel and follow each other for longer around the racetrack, in an attempt to come as close as possible to the current spec of Formula One machinery.
The car is also designed to accommodate a wider range of drivers, including female drivers. Former Formula 2 racer Tatiana Calderon too completed a recent shakedown in Varano, Italy, with more drivers, including 2022 Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich, set to take part in shakedowns and tests in the future.
Teams are set to receive their first car at the end of December this year, and will get their hands on another new-spec machine in January 2024, once sufficient testing has been completed, so as to ensure reliability.
The teams will then take part in a shakedown prior to the official pre-season test for the 2024 season, with one car per team set to be on the track.
Formula 2 boss Bruno Michel was pleased with the recent developments, and said: "Together with the FIA, we've designed a powerful, challenging and safe car that will prepare young drivers for F1, and that will continue to provide great racing and a lot of overtaking opportunities, something that the fans expect from F2.
"It has been designed also to fit all types of drivers, taking into account FIA's consideration regarding the steering effort. This is obviously key to making our sport more inclusive, by enhancing our car's driveability and comfort.
"One of our main focuses remains costs control. So, we have kept the same engine and gearbox, and there are a lot of carried-over parts from the previous car. Finally, we made sure that the teams can manage this new car with 12 operational people, as per the Sporting Regulations.
"I want to thank our partners Aramco, Pirelli, Dallara and Mecachrome, who are key in making this car safe, reliable and the best racing machine to prepare our drivers for Formula 1."
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 extended his support to Formula One's immediate feeder series, saying: “F2 consistently delivers excellent racing and acts as an important training ground for future members of the Formula 1 grid, and by bringing the design philosophies of the two cars closer together we will support this development further.
“The new F2 car is also an important symbol for our sustainability journey as the series continues to pioneer advanced sustainable fuel which will become a part of F1 from 2026. “I want to pay tribute to Bruno and his team as well as the FIA for our continued strong collaboration in this category. I can’t wait to see the car on track next season.”
Much like Domenicali, many would be looking forward to the upcoming Formula 2 season, excited to see 24 young drivers go head-to-head, with a potential Formula One drive to gain, apart from the Formula 2 championship, and the eventual tag of World Champion.
Comments