Formula 2Technology

Formula 2 next evolution 2027-29 car unveiled

Craig Scarborough
1 month ago
5 min read

In the paddock at Monza Formula 2 unveiled its latest car for the 2027-29 seasons.

Although visually different, it’s very much an ‘evo’ version of the current car that’s been racing since 2024.


Formula 2 has historic roots going back to the of the post war ‘formula’ era.

It’s long been the feeder series for F1, although there was a break in the nomenclature with F3000 and GP2 being the international support series, even though national F2 championships continued during this time.

The Italian racecar constructor Dallara stepped into create the spec GP2 chassis, filling the void created by the loss of British manufacturers (Lola, Reynard, March).

It also gained the tender to supply the reborn FIA F2 series in 2018 and again in 2024.

This leaves Dallara as the top international supplier of spec racing cars from FIA F3, Super Formula (Japan), IndyCar, Formula E and a manufacturer in the LMDH series in WEC.

Formula2 runs a fully spec series with Dallara overseeing the design/supply of the entire car with its partners, who supply the engine, gearbox, brakes tyres electronics etc.

F2/27

This new car has its lineage back to the inaugural FIA F2 car, the F2/18. A FIA safety spec chassis, with a Meccachrome turbocharged V6 motor.

This was updated with a new chassis in 2024 (F2/24), the car also switching to an aero package closer resembling the prevailing F1 cars.

Not without problems in all areas of the car and powertrain, the base F1 has continually evolved in its details, but only two major steps gave been introduced up until this point.

This car was due to race until 2029, which in part it will achieve, as the F2/27 car is only a light upgrade, keeping much of the same core structure.

With the same chassis, engine and keeping aramco sustainable fuel and Pirelli tyres, but also most of the prime suppliers albeit with upgraded parts.

So the largest change is the visual found in the bodywork to reflect F1’s current look. Although the changes also make the car less sensitive, allowing cars to follow each more closely, for better racing.

The three-element front wing is now narrower, with distinct endplates with footplate extending from their base.

Rather than the 2022 F1 style full width wing which swept up to form the endplate. It s sits very close to nose hanging from two pylons.

The outer pair of flaps are adjustable, separated from the unadjustable inner flaps by a tall fence.

The inner brake ducts appear largely unchanged.

But the rear wing loses its unique upswept design, again reflecting a more conventional wing/endplate shape, with ‘DRS’ operating on the flap.

Which a single part, but with a partial clot across the centre of span.

Then, the sidepods, floor and bargeboards are also subtly restyled.

Within the car retains the 620hp Hot “V” turbo engine, but the Hewland gearbox gets an upgrade, with a starter motor.

While there was talk about mild hybrid being an option fir F2, the 2027 solution is an electric starter motor added to an evolution of the old 6 speed paddleshift gearbox.

This should allow stalled cars to clear the grid or recover from spins, preventing further accidents occurring.

Controlling the gearbox and other electronic systems is a new steering wheel from XAP.

This connects into a new electronic and electrical package from Marelli, consisting of a new VCU (ECU) with data logging and electrical power control unit.

Even with the titanium halo equipped monocoque being retained, safety is improved with new fire extinguisher system supplied by FEV, to meet current FIA safety regulations.

This update shows, fixing design issues and keeping as much unchanged as possible keeps racing and costs under control.


By the time this new F2/27 car is retired, much of the car’s core technology will have raced for over a decade.

It’s likely this might spark a step change in its design.

For F2 to be relevant in its role in the ladder of FIA single seater from formula regional to F1, it needs to give the drivers (& engineers) a platform challenging enough to prepare for F1, but without excessive costs and unnecessary complexity.

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Craig Scarborough

Craig Scarborough is one of the most distinguished tech illustrators and pundits in the motorsport arena, with particular expertise in F1. During a career spanning almost 4 decades, he has fronted broadcast tech analysis for F1TV and Motorsport.tv and his illustrations have featured in the world’s most prominent automotive media.

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