F1 stars of the future show their speed in Formula 2 and Formula 3. The categories immediately below Formula 1 in the motorsport ladder are the perfect place for a driver to sharpen their skills and prove they're ready to move up. 

How do F2 and F3 work? How are the cars different? How do they prepare drivers for Formula 1? To answer those questions and many more, Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne speak to:




Oscar Piastri - 2020 F3 champion, 2021 F2 champion, McLaren F1 driver
Alex Jacques - commentator covering F3, F2 and F1

For the latest on F2 and F3 visit
The official F2 website
The online home of F3

Curious about cars? Quizzical about qualifying? Wondering about wheelspin? If you've got an F1 question, send it to us and we'll find an expert to answer it. Send your email or voice note to F1Explains@F1.com

Catch up with our other episodes



Points, pronunciation + the 'pit' lane - with Jolyon Palmer + Alex Jacques

F1 Academy - with Susie Wolff + Lia Block

The F1 race start - with Mick Schumacher + Bernie Collins

Behind the scenes on Drive to Survive - with Exec Producer James Gay-Rees

Why F1 pre-season testing matters - with McLaren's Oscar Piastri

How F1 teams build their new cars - with Aston Martin Technical Director Dan Fallows

More Official F1 Podcasts

Hear how Oscar Piastri is approaching his second F1 season on F1 Beyond The Grid with Tom Clarkson

Listen to race previews and reviews from the F1 paddock on F1 Nation