What Is Euroformula Open? How the F1 Feeder Series Works

The series features high-performance Formula 3-style cars capable of speeds exceeding 270 km/h (168 mph), giving young drivers the opportunity to gain experience at some of Europe's most famous circuits before progressing further up the motorsport ladder.

Over the years, the championship has become an important proving ground for future stars, with several Formula 1 drivers and IndyCar champions competing in the series before reaching the highest levels of the sport.

Here's everything you need to know about Euroformula Open.

What Is Euroformula Open?

Euroformula Open is a European single-seater racing championship designed for drivers progressing towards the highest levels of motorsport.

Founded in 2014 as the successor to the European F3 Open Championship, the series has established itself as one of the most respected junior formula categories in Europe.

The championship races at major circuits across the continent, providing young drivers with experience on many of the same tracks used by Formula 1 and other international racing series.

Over the years, Euroformula Open has produced drivers who have gone on to compete in Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

How Does Euroformula Open's Format Work?

The championship consists of multiple race weekends staged throughout Europe.

Each event typically includes:

• Practice sessions
• Qualifying
• Multiple races

Drivers compete individually throughout the season, accumulating points based on their finishing positions.

The driver with the highest points total at the end of the year is crowned Euroformula Open champion.

Because the championship visits a variety of circuits and conditions, consistency is often just as important as outright speed.

What Cars Are Used in Euroformula Open?

Euroformula Open uses Dallara-built single-seater race cars powered by turbocharged engines.

The current generation of machinery produces around 270 horsepower and features advanced aerodynamics, slick tyres and carbon-fibre construction similar to that found in higher levels of formula racing.

The cars are significantly faster than those used in Formula 4 championships and provide young drivers with valuable experience managing downforce, tyre degradation and race strategy.

For many competitors, Euroformula Open represents one of their first opportunities to race machinery capable of approaching Formula 1-style cornering speeds.

How Does the Euroformula Open Points System Work?

Drivers score points based on their finishing positions in each race.

The standard scoring system awards:

• 1st: 25 points
• 2nd: 18 points
• 3rd: 15 points
• 4th: 12 points
• 5th: 10 points
• 6th: 8 points
• 7th: 6 points
• 8th: 4 points
• 9th: 2 points
• 10th: 1 point

Points are accumulated throughout the season, rewarding both race victories and consistency.

The driver with the highest points total at the conclusion of the championship is crowned Euroformula Open champion.

Which Formula 1 Drivers Raced in Euroformula Open?

Euroformula Open has helped develop several drivers who have gone on to compete in Formula 1, underlining its reputation as one of Europe's most important junior single-seater championships.

Among the most notable graduates are Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Jack Doohan, all of whom raced in the series before progressing through the junior ranks and reaching Formula 1.

The championship's alumni extend far beyond Formula 1. Perhaps the most successful graduate in recent years is Alex Palou, who competed in Euroformula Open before becoming a multiple IndyCar Series champion and one of the biggest names in American motorsport.

Other notable drivers to race in the championship include Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion and Formula 1 reserve driver, Colton Herta, IndyCar race winner and Cadillac Formula 1 reserve driver, and Christian Lundgaard, who has established himself as a race winner in IndyCar after progressing through Europe's junior racing ladder.

The championship has also helped prepare drivers for careers in Formula E, the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, demonstrating its importance as a development category for aspiring professional racers.

How Is Euroformula Open Different From FIA Formula 3?

Euroformula Open and FIA Formula 3 both sit within the junior single-seater ladder, but they serve different purposes.

FIA Formula 3 forms part of the official Formula 1 support package and is positioned closer to Formula 1 within the traditional pathway.

Euroformula Open provides an alternative route for developing drivers, allowing competitors to gain experience in powerful single-seater machinery while racing at many of Europe's most famous circuits.

For many drivers, Euroformula Open serves as a stepping stone towards FIA Formula 3, Formula 2 and eventually Formula 1.

2026 Euroformula Open Schedule and Calendar

The 2026 Euroformula Open season features eight rounds held between April and October, with every event taking place at renowned European circuits that have hosted Formula One and other major international championships.

The campaign begins at Portimão in Portugal before visiting Spa-Francorchamps, making its first-ever trip to Misano World Circuit, and returning to established venues including the Hungaroring, Circuit Paul Ricard, Hockenheimring, Monza and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the championship concludes in October.

Many rounds are held alongside other prestigious series, including the International GT Open, GT Cup Open Europe, TCR Europe Touring Car Series and the Formula Regional European Championship, giving fans a packed weekend of international motorsport.

1. Algarve International Circuit, Portimão 18–19 April
2. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps 16–17 May
3. Misano World Circuit 6–7 June
4. Hungaroring 4–5 July
5. Circuit Paul Ricard 17–19 July
6. Hockenheimring 11–13 September
7. Monza 25–27 September
8. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya 23–25 October

Where Can You Watch Euroformula Open?

Euroformula Open is available to watch live for free and on demand on DAZN worldwide.

Fans can follow every round of the championship throughout the season, including qualifying sessions, races and title battles featuring the next generation of motorsport talent.

You can watch on the DAZN app, available on smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.

If you do not already have a DAZN account, getting started is simple:

• Download the free DAZN app from your device's app store, or visit DAZN.com on your computer.
• Select Sign Up or Log In.
• Create an account using your email address, or sign in with Apple, Google or Facebook.
• Once registered, you'll have access to DAZN's free content and live events that are available in your region.
• Search for Euroformula Open and start watching.