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The F4 Central European Zone championship gets underway this weekend at the Red Bull Ring. Prepare for a hugely competitive field and race action from Saturday to Sunday. Whether you are a new fan or have been following F4 CEZ for some time, here are 10 things you should know before the season begins.

Record field
A grid of more than 40 cars is the headline of the 2026 season. The steady growth in driver and team numbers over recent years has already shown that F4 CEZ is gaining momentum, but this year’s entry list confirms the series is booming.

Live streaming for every event
Every round of F4 CEZ is live streamed, allowing fans to follow all the action from anywhere in the world. Make sure to follow our social media channels or this website so you do not miss a single race this season.

Watching future stars
The drivers are at the start of their single seaters careers. Formula 4 is the gateway to circuit racing at the highest level. You may not yet recognise the names, but many will go on to bigger stages. Follow F4 CEZ and get to know the drivers now, and in a few years you might be able to say you watched the professional athletes from their debut season.

Iconic tracks, including Formula 1 venues
F4 CEZ races at some of the most prestigious circuits in Central and Eastern Europe, including tracks that host Formula 1. The 2026 calendar features F1 circuits Red Bull Ring and Hungaroring, as well as MotoGP venue Automotodrom Brno, the high speed Salzburgring, Autodrom Most and Slovakia Ring.

Female drivers
The number of female drivers on the grid continues to grow, with at least seven competing this season, each bringing different levels of experience. Mathilda Paatz, who fought for podiums last year in F4 CEZ, also races in F1 Academy, alongside Jade Jacquet and Ava Dobson. Ella Hakkinen, daughter of two time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen, will make her single seater debut. Ginevra Panzeri and Alexia Danielsson join the series for the first time, while Michalina Sabaj returns with two years of F4 CEZ experience.

More nationalities on the grid
Drivers arrive in F4 CEZ from across Europe and beyond. Fans will have no shortage of drivers to support, with nationalities including Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and USA.

Drivers racing with something to prove
A mix of experienced drivers and newcomers does not mean different ambitions. Every driver on the grid is here to prove their talent. Whether it is a second or third season or a debut campaign, all are aiming to develop their careers and climb the single seater ladder towards professional racing.

Accessible paddock
Fans have the chance to get close to the stars of tomorrow thanks to an open and accessible paddock. There are no heavy restrictions, and you may find yourself face to face with the drivers. Take the opportunity to wish them luck when you see them.

New race weekend format
With the increased grid size, the race weekend format has been revised. If 33 or more drivers enter an event, the field will be split into two qualifying sessions. Based on overall qualifying results, drivers will then be divided into three groups, each contesting two 25 minute qualifying races. Points are awarded in each race, and the top 32 classified drivers progress to a final 25 minute race.

A globally recognised car
The championship uses the Tatuus F4 T421, an FIA homologated car, racing across multiple F4 series worldwide. This ensures drivers and teams are competing with identical machinery across different series, making it easier to gain experience and transition between F4 championships.

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