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The new season is here. The biggest contest in the F4 Central European Zone gets underway this weekend at the iconic Red Bull Ring, with a field of more than 40 cars. The fight for the title, for points and for glory begins now.
The Red Bull Ring has hosted Formula 1 grands prix since 1970 and traditionally serves as the opening round of the F4 CEZ season. There is always a strong sense of anticipation after the long winter break, with plenty of new faces alongside returning drivers, all eager to get back on track and measure themselves against the competition.
As outlined in previous F4 CEZ updates, this year’s season opener will take on a different format. With the grid expanding significantly, several changes have been introduced to accommodate the increased number of entries and ensure a smooth race weekend. Two separate qualifying sessions will be held, with drivers split into two groups. Based on the results, the field will then be divided into three groups, each contesting two 25 minute qualifying races. Points will be awarded in every race, with the top 32 classified drivers advancing to a final 25 minute race.
As a result, instead of the usual three races per weekend, the championship will feature a fourth and final race, scheduled for Sunday at 16:15.
The weekend at the Red Bull Ring begins on Friday with testing sessions, followed on Saturday by free practice, qualifying and the first qualifying race. Sunday will be dedicated entirely to racing, with two further qualifying races and the final bringing the event to a close.
The driver line up features a diverse mix of young talent, both male and female, combining experience with newcomers taking their first steps in Formula 4. While there are clear favourites, new contenders may well emerge as the fight for victory unfolds.
Swiss outfit Jenzer Motorsport remains the team to beat in F4 CEZ, and there is little doubt that its objective is to stay at the front once again. The line up is led by last year’s vice champion Max Karhan, who is expected to face strong competition from team mates Elia Weiss and Teo Borenstein, as team principal Andreas Jenzer has indicated. But there are a lot of teams in the field, aiming to take the spotlight from Jenzer Motorsport.
There is also a strong presence of female drivers on the grid. Ella Hakkinen, daughter of two time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen, makes the step up from karting to single seaters and will attract significant attention, although her debut season will primarily be about gaining experience. In contrast, Mathilda Paatz has already demonstrated her pace in F4 CEZ, with the Red Bull Ring marking the highlight of her 2025 campaign, where she finished second in the race. Paatz also competes in F1 Academy, as does her team mate Jade Jacquet. Ginevra Panzeri and Alexia Danielsson join the series as newcomers, while Michalina Sabaj enters her third season in the championship. Ava Dobson, another F1 Academy driver, is expected to join the grid later in the year.
For a complete overview of this impressive field, the entry list offers a clear picture of the depth of talent. There is plenty to look forward to in F4 CEZ, and it is no exaggeration to say that this could be the most competitive and entertaining season yet, as well as one of the most demanding for both drivers and teams.
Enjoy the 2026 season. It begins this weekend!
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