With the start dates of the Regional Formula 4 Championships fast approaching, let’s get up to speed with everything you’ll need to know.

Following on from the first round of French Formula 4 earlier this month, the Spanish Formula 4 Series kicks off this weekend in Valencia (10th-12th April). Let’s familiarise ourselves with the format, calendar, history, as well as highlighting the three female drivers debuting in the series in 2026.

Formula 4: An Overview

Formula 4 first launched in 2014: its mission to be a stepping stone for drivers towards the path to Formula 1 and other formula series. The focus is on young drivers rising through the ranks from karting, assisting them in their development as they begin their professional careers in single-seater racing.

Spanish F4 boasts a unique combination of circuits - all of them being venues of Formula 1 or Moto GP events. With a well-balanced calendar, a wide testing programme and official events, it offers the optimal environment for young drivers to progress in the world of motorsport.

Spanish F4 in History

Spanish F4 was launched in 2016, with support from all stakeholders involved allowing the championship to be recognised almost instantly at a European and global level. Certified by the FIA, it is supported by major brands such as Hankook, Tatuus, Abarth and the endorsement of the Real Federación Española de Automovilismo (RFEDA).

Since the category’s introduction ten years ago, many drivers have managed to carve out successful careers, competing at the highest level in categories such as FIA F2, F3, ELMS or WEC in the LMP2 category. Some have gone on to become members of young driver development programmes of the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes, and some have even been able to gain experience in Formula 1.

A large majority of female drivers who have participated in the series have been selected to take part in W-Series, which has now been replaced by F1 Academy - undoubtedly one of its greatest achievements by recognising the success and talent of women in the sport.

The Spanish series has since become one of the leading single-seater categories in the world, about to host its eleventh season in 2026. Since its inaugural season in 2016, the championship has evolved from three teams and 19 drivers to 12 teams and 36 drivers competing in 2026. However, our main focus here is on the three female drivers who will be competing this season: Luna Fluxà, Maria Neto and Zoe Florescu.

Format

Each weekend is divided into seven sessions:

There are at least 180 minutes of guaranteed track time every weekend. This ensures the main objective of the championship is fulfilled: to train young drivers in the best possible way ahead of their promotion to higher categories.

The best lap from Q1 sets the grid for Race 1, the second-best lap from Q1 sets the grid for Race 2, and the best lap from Q2 sets the grid for Race 3. In the case that Q1 cannot go ahead, Race 1’s grid will be set using the classification from free practice, and Race 2’s grid will be set using the fastest laps from Race 1. The same goes for Race 3 as Race 2 - if Q2 cannot go ahead, the fastest laps from Race 2 will be used to set the grid.

Races 1 and 3 are awarded with the standard FIA points format, with 25 points awarded to the winner down to one point for the 10th-place finisher. Race 2 follows the same format, but with 18 points awarded to the winner and one for the ninth-place finisher. One point is awarded to the driver with the fastest lap, and two points to the pole-sitters in the qualifying sessions.

Each driver is given three sets of new tyres each weekend and two sets of used tyres from previous official events. For the first event, each driver has four sets of new tyres and is not allowed to use already used tyres from previous season’s official events.

The Car

Tatuus is the sole vehicle supplier for Spanish F4. Since 2022, the championship has been raced with the second generation of single-seater: TATUUS F4-T421.

Tyres: Hankook F200 (C7).

Engine: 1.4 TURBO ABARTHENGINE, 176 hp.

Chassis: TATUUS F4-T421.

2026 Calendar

The 2026 Spanish F4 Championship will host seven rounds - five events across venues in Spain, and two events abroad.

The calendar ensures to offer a balance between fast, technical and demanding circuits. For drivers to be successful and stand out amongst the competition, they must adapt to these different track styles and potentially tricky conditions.

Next: Meet the Women Competing in the 2026 Spanish F4 Championship

Now that you’re prepped and ready for the 2026 Spanish F4 season, all that’s left to do is introduce the three female drivers who will be making their mark on the series. Luna Fluxà, Maria Neto and Zoe Florescu all begin exciting new chapters of their motorsport careers in 2026, making their full debuts in F4 in the upcoming Spanish Series.

With a new challenge awaiting for all three, they will be determined to prove themselves and their capabilities. 2026 will be the most significant year of their lives and careers so far, and it’s only just the beginning.

Stay tuned for our next article: Spanish Formula 4 in 2026 - Meet the Female Driver Line up.

Spanish Formula 4 in 2026 - All You Need to…