Formula 4 is the first major step on the single-seater ladder for young drivers. The cars are lightweight, open-wheel machines with modest power, designed to teach drivers racing basics like aerodynamics, wheel-to-wheel racing, and racecraft. F4 is often where teenage drivers start their journey toward Formula One.

Super Formula Lights is Japan’s equivalent to Europe’s F3-level category. The cars are faster than F4 but less powerful than Super Formula. It’s a key development series for drivers aiming to reach top Japanese categories or even F1. The racing is known for being technical and very competitive.

My personal favourite open wheel series on iRacing.

Formula 3 is a global junior category that builds on what drivers learn in F4. F3 cars are much quicker, have more downforce (grip from aerodynamics), and demand higher skill. It’s often the first major international series for rising stars and is directly linked to the Formula 1 support package. Performance-wise, it’s the middle rung of the F1 ladder.

Formula 2 is the final step before Formula One. The cars are extremely fast, with high power and strong downforce. They race on F1 weekends and use similar tracks, making it the ultimate proving ground for drivers trying to break into F1. Many current F1 drivers came directly from F2, as the series emphasizes driver talent over team spending.