Formula 3 is giving its rising stars a significant boost and motivation to continue with their journey towards being F1 drivers.
Starting with the 2025 season, the championship has introduced a €1 million prize fund for the top five finishers in the Drivers’ Championship. This new initiative rewards talent and eases the financial burden for young drivers hoping to climb the ranks toward Formula 1.
A Big Prize for the Best Performers in Formula 3
The €1 million will be divided among the top five F3 Drivers’ Championship finishers. The champion will receive €300,000, second place gets €250,000, third place €200,000, fourth €150,000 and fifth €100,000. The money will fund a Formula 2 campaign the following year and will be a crucial stepping stone for drivers without strong F1 backing.
🚨 | Formula 3 have announced a €1 million fund for the top five drivers in the Championship:
🥇1st = €300,000
🥈2nd = €250,000
🥉3rd = €200,000
4th = €150,000
5th = €100,000— formularacers (@formularacers_) September 24, 2025
However, the money is only valid for drivers moving up to F2 the following season. If a driver chooses not to step up, the prize money rolls down to the next eligible driver in the standings.
Ferrari-backed Rafael Camara claimed the F3 title this year and will be the first to benefit from the new prize. Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov, Aston Martin-connected Mari Boya, another Red Bull talent Tim Tramnitz, and McLaren junior Martinius Stenshorne followed him.
Tsolov has already confirmed his move to F2 with Campos Racing next season while there has been no news from the rest.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the initiative and described the initiative as a vital step in supporting young talent. “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,” he admitted.
“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,” he added.
CEO of FIA Formula 3, Bruno Michel, added that the fund, combined with Pirelli’s €300,000 bonus, gives drivers without F1 backing the resources to chase their dreams. “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,” he said.
A Financial Lifeline and Easing the Road to Formula 2
Stepping up to F2 is no small task, and a full-season campaign can cost a driver anywhere from €2 million to €3 million. For drivers without financial backing or an F1 academy seat, this fund is a lifeline, allowing them to focus on racing rather than scrambling for sponsorship. This amazing boost of funds is expected to make the 30-car F3 grid even more competitive.
This move is similar to the ‘Road to Indy’ programme in the U.S., which supports drivers financially as they climb toward the top series. In the same way, F3 is now offering young drivers a chance to make the leap to F2 based on talent and performance, rather than just access to money.
With the first prize fund set to be awarded this year drivers like Camara and the others have a clear path to continue their racing careers. It is a deserved reward for their efforts and will definitely boost their journey to Formula 1.
