Formula 4 United States (F4 U.S.) Championship has reached a major milestone, marking 10 years since its first race in North America.
The series began with a triple-header weekend at the 2.258-mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in July 2016. Since then, F4 U.S. has grown into a recognised junior single-seater platform, producing 10 champions and 54 different race winners.
Moreover, the championship has helped drivers take important first steps towards INDYCAR, FIA Formula 3, FIA Formula 2, IMSA, NASCAR and other international categories.
Czaczyk wins first F4 U.S. race at Mid-Ohio
The first F4 U.S. race took place on July 2, 2016, and immediately set the tone for the championship’s competitive future.
Konrad Czaczyk won the 30-minute opener after beating Kyle Kirkwood, who later became an INDYCAR race winner. That inaugural race began a decade of close competition and gave the series its first standout moment.
Cameron Das then went on to win the first F4 U.S. title. He later climbed the FIA ladder and raced in FIA Formula 3 in Europe, showing how quickly the championship could support drivers with international ambitions.
Kirkwood leads F4 U.S. winners list
Across the championship’s first decade, Kirkwood has remained the most successful F4 U.S. race winner.
The 2017 champion scored 10 victories across two seasons in the category before moving through the American single-seater ladder. His later INDYCAR success has strengthened F4 U.S.’s reputation as a launchpad for young drivers.
Meanwhile, Cooper Shipman added his own mark to the record books in 2025. He claimed nine consecutive victories on his way to the title, setting the benchmark for the longest winning streak in F4 U.S. history.
Champions continue to climb the ladder
F4 U.S. has crowned a varied list of champions since its launch, and many have continued into major international categories.
The roll of honour includes Kirkwood, 2021 champion Noel León, and 2022 champion Lochie Hughes. León now races in FIA Formula 2, while Hughes competes in INDY NXT.
Former champions Das and Hunter Yeany also progressed to FIA F3, further underlining the championship’s role in preparing drivers for higher-level single-seater competition.
F4 U.S. graduates spread across motorsport
The series has also produced talent beyond its champions.
INDYCAR winner Christian Rasmussen began in F4 U.S., as did current INDYCAR driver Nolan Siegel. Ricco Shlaimoun also started his open-wheel career in the championship before becoming Van Amersfoort Racing’s FIA F2 reserve driver.
F1 ACADEMY drivers Chloe Chambers and Ava Dobson also used F4 U.S. as part of their development. Meanwhile, Baltazar Leguizamon and Andrew Castro carried the racecraft they built in the series into the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
A global junior racing platform
Over the last decade, hundreds of drivers have travelled from around the world to compete in F4 U.S.
That international appeal has helped the championship become one of the most sought-after junior open-wheel categories. With 10 champions, 54 race winners and graduates competing across several major series, F4 U.S. now enters its second decade with a strong legacy and a proven development pathway.
