What racing in Australiar the future of F1's junior series

The announcement that FIA Formula 2 and 3 would race alongside the Australian Grand Prix from 2023 came as a surprise, not only to fans but to the series’ teams too. But with Formula 1’s boom in popularity bringing more fans to the championships, team principals are relishing the opportunity

Published Jun 28, 2022, 5:19 PM

The news two weeks ago that the Australian Grand Prix had signed a 10-year contract extension with Formula 1 came as little surprise to many. The hugely successful Melbourne event drew in record crowds in 2022, as it hosted its first race since the ill-fated 2020 event cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What did take many by surprise, however, was the news that FIA Formula 2 and 3 would race alongside the event, starting next season. Historically travel costs have kept the usual F1 support series away from Australia, and popular local categories such as Supercars have filled the undercard. Though the top flight touring car championship appears to be safe, Carrera Cup is another staple of the grand prix weekend and the one-make Porsche series could face pressure. So too could S5000, which has been on the bill for the past two Albert Park events.