FIA Global Pathway from Karting to Formula One
# FIA Global Pathway from Karting to Formula One

The FIA Global Pathway from Karting to Formula One is a program developed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the international sanctioning body for motorsports that is designed to assist racing drivers progress from karting to Formula One. The program was first developed in 2014 with the creation of the Formula 4 category, and follows a tiered structure, with drivers racing in increasingly-powerful cars. The Global Pathway represents the consolidation of feeder series to create a more linear approach to progressing into Formula One.

## Eligible series

### Formula 4

Formula 4 is the first stage of the Global Pathway, for drivers fifteen years of age and older. Formula 4 is structured as a "national" championship, with each series contained within a single geographical area. Despite the "national" classification, Formula 4 championships may encompass several countries. Each Formula 4 championship uses chassis and engines built to a single specification so that drivers can compete in multiple championships without having to adjust to a different car.

### Formula Regional

The second stage of the Global Pathway is Regional Formula 3, also known as Formula Regional, which puts drivers in cars that are progressively more powerful than those used in Formula 4. The series is classified as a "regional" championship. As of 2023, there are six regional series: Formula Regional Americas Championship, Formula Regional European Championship, Formula Regional Japanese Championship, Formula Regional Indian Championship, Formula Regional Middle East Championship and Formula Regional Oceania Championship

### Formula 3

The only "international" series of Formula 3 are the FIA Formula 3 Championship and the FIA Formula 3 World Cup, a one-event competition that traditionally takes place during the Macau Grand Prix. It started in 2019.

### Formula 2

Formula 2 is the final intermediary stage of the Global Pathway. The series is an "international" championship for drivers seventeen to eighteen years old. Drivers are not required to participate in Formula 2 to compete in Formula One, as success in Formula 3 contributes to a driver's FIA Super Licence; however, of the series which are recognised as contributing to a Super Licence, Formula 2 has the greatest weight. Rather than creating a new series where none previously existed, the FIA chose to rebrand the GP2 Series as the FIA Formula 2 Championship starting in 2017.

### Formula 1

Formula One represents the top tier of the Global Pathway, with the series recognised by the FIA as the premier class of open-wheel motorsport.

### Other series

Other established open-wheel series, such as Euroformula Open Championship, GB3 Championship & GB4 Championship, are not considered to be a part of the Global Pathway, but will still contribute to a driver's Super Licence.

### Comparison

| Class | F1 | FIA F2 | FIA F3 | F3-Regional | F4 | OK (karting) |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Chassis | Various | Dallara F2 2018 | Dallara F3 2019 | Tatuus F3 T-318/Ligier JS F3 | Tatuus F4-T421/Mygale M21-F4 | Various |
| Engine | Hybrid 1.6 L turbocharged V6 | 3.4 L turbocharged V6 | 3.4 L NA V6 | 1.8 L / 2.0L | 2.0-1.4 L | 125 cc |
| Minimum weight (kg) | 798 | 720 | 673 | 665-650 | 570 | 158 |
| Typical power (hp) | 1000 | 620 | 380 | 300-270 | 180-185 | 36 |
