Has F1 itself a lesson with fan-popular British Formula 4 sighting?

I really hope I’m not alone in my belief that F4 is something that should feature on more rounds of the F1 calendar. The inclusion of F1 Academy is a step in the right direction, and has increased viewership in the series. British F4 featured a non-championship round at Silverstone and drew itself a lot of attention - but what can F1 learn from this?

More rounds can feature F4 action

There are F4 spec series’ dotted all over the globe, so immediately: why not promote this racing and it’s young drivers?

NACAM (Northern and Central American) F4, F4 South East Asia, Australian F4 & F4 CEZ (Central European Zone) are all slightly lesser known competitions and running alongside F1 would be a huge boost.

📸 F4 CEZ at Salzburgring.

Events where F1 is the standalone track action would benefit from this also, like Brazil, Las Vegas or Miami.

Big and well known names garner more interest

A lot of series’ feature sons and daughters of racing legends as well as those related to other racing stars and fans definitely look for that when these races take place.

📸 Thomas Bearman (left) with former British F4 Champions Louis Sharp (middle) and Luke Browning (right).

Thomas Bearman (brother of Haas F1 driver Ollie) had a lot of interest on the British Grand Prix weekend but he’s not the only driver who’s name you might recognise. Rene Lammers - son of 23 time Grand Prix driver Jan - competes in Spanish F4, Rintaro Sato - son of cult hero and two time Indy 500 winner Takuma - is in French F4, while Lia Block competes in F1 Academy and is the daughter of the late rally legend Ken Block.

📸 Lia Block in F1 Academy.

Even on a busy race weekend, it works

The British Grand Prix weekend featured Formula 1, Formula 2 & Formula 3 before British F4 was shoehorned in, but even with tricky weather conditions, race delays and a hectic schedule, things ran fairly seamlessly thanks to everyone involved from drivers, to Race Control and especially, to marshals.

It was special to see so many fans, drivers and F1 personalities and personnel eager to watch young drivers excel as part of the Grand Prix weekend. So, F1…When are you pencilling in another F4 outing?

📸 Image credits: Wera Tools British F4. F4 Central European Zone.