Formula 3 has introduced a new one-million-euro prize fund for its top five drivers, as of the 2025 season. Under the scheme, the champion receives €300,000, with second and third place awarded €250,000 and €200,000 respectively. The fourth- and fifth-placed finishers claim €150,000 and €100,000 respectively. To qualify, drivers must progress to Formula 2 the following season. If they do not, the prize is transferred to the next highest-placed competitor. This initiative adds an extra layer of incentive while complementing the long-standing €300,000 Pirelli award reserved for the Formula 3 champion.
Domenicali welcomes Formula 3 one-million-euro prize fund
Stefano Domenicali welcomed the creation of the new prize fund, emphasising its importance in shaping the careers of young drivers. He highlighted that the initiative provides not only a meaningful financial reward but also an additional incentive for competitors to excel. By recognising the efforts of the drivers in this way, the scheme further strengthens the pathway for emerging talent.
According to Domenicali, Formula 3 remains a vital part of the motorsport pyramid, preparing drivers with the technical knowledge, resilience, and mindset required to succeed in higher categories. He underlined that success in the series is not measured solely by results on track, but also by the skills and experience gained along the way.
With the new structure in place, Domenicali expressed confidence that Formula 3 will continue to produce outstanding talent capable of progressing towards the pinnacle of the sport. Looking ahead, he noted the anticipation surrounding the 2026 season and the opportunity to witness the next generation of exceptional drivers in action.
“The Formula 3 one-million-euro prize fund is an important initiative that will further incentivise drivers and provide them with a very valuable and well-deserved reward for their success in the championship. The FIA Formula 3 Championship continues to be a vital part of the pyramid system, which provides the drivers with the essential technical, physical, and mental training to rise through the championships on their journey to the highest level of our sport. We all look forward to the 2026 season and watching the incredible talent on track.”
Michel hails Formula 3 as a training ground strengthened by new prize fund
FIA Formula 3 CEO Bruno Michel confirmed the introduction of a new million-euro fund aimed at supporting young drivers. In addition to the existing Pirelli prize for the champion, this initiative will reward the top five finishers in the championship.
Importantly, Michel emphasised that Formula 3 serves as a vital training ground, where drivers are able to sharpen their skills before advancing further up the single-seater pyramid. Moreover, he underlined that the sport requires consistent investment in talent to ensure promising racers can sustain their careers. Therefore, the creation of this fund not only provides recognition for high performance but also delivers meaningful financial support at a critical stage in a driver’s development.
Ultimately, by combining this new initiative with existing incentives, Formula 3 strengthens its role as the gateway to higher categories. As a result, emerging drivers gain greater opportunities to pursue their ambitions and take decisive steps towards Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport.
“I am pleased to announce this million-euro fund, which will benefit the five highest-placed Formula 3 drivers, alongside the substantial prize offered by our partner, Pirelli, which goes to the Champion. It is vital to support emerging talent on their road to Formula 1. Formula 3 is a fantastic training ground for these young racers to hone their skills to move up the pyramid, and this additional financial reward will help them to go even further in their efforts towards the pinnacle of motorsport.”
