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F4 Central European Zone season has entered its second half. Following last weekend’s round at Autodrom Most, only two events remain on the calendar. So how does F4 CEZ promoter Josef Křenek assess the championship’s fourth season so far, with a grid almost twice the size of last year’s?

The Racing Journal Speed Fest at Autodrom Most marked the start of the second half of the F4 CEZ season. How do you assess the campaign so far from a sporting perspective?

I am delighted. We have a large, evenly matched and highly competitive grid featuring top male and female drivers from all over the world. At times, the gaps are measured in hundredths of a second. The four-race format and split qualifying system have also proved successful, and we will definitely retain both for next season.

And what about the organisational side? After all, the F4 CEZ grid has practically doubled in size compared with last year.

New but already experienced teams have joined the series. They have considerable potential and are accustomed to winning. On the other hand, the established teams make use of their circuit knowledge and benefit from the experience they have gained in previous seasons. The rivalry between teams naturally leads to more incidents and differences of opinion, placing greater pressure on the stewards and race control.

It is possible that our championship has grown faster than we have, and that some teams currently have greater experience and knowledge than we do. What I can assure you, however, is that the safety of our drivers and the integrity of our sporting competition will always remain our highest priorities. All of us have room for improvement, and that certainly includes me and our organisation.

Are you suggesting that certain situations have led to disputes?

With such a strong grid, there are naturally more incidents. If you penalise one side, they feel aggrieved; if you do not, the other side does. Teams use every avenue available to gain any advantage. They are, of course, entitled to explore the options open to them, but they do not always choose the right approach, and situations can often become highly charged.

Can you give a specific example?

I can point, for example, to the way the second race at Most ended. The driver whose incident triggered the premature stoppage with a red flag was classified second. Had the race ended behind the safety car, he would have been classified last. It is unfortunate, but in certain circumstances, when recovery vehicles have to operate directly on the circuit, stopping the race in this way is the safest option for the drivers. Everyone may have a different view, but the race director has to make a decision in the moment. Safety must always be the priority, regardless of how that decision affects the result.

I understand that this may have raised a number of questions among some of those involved. How do you intend to address situations like this in the future?

To minimise any doubts in the future and further strengthen transparency, we propose that the teams jointly select one representative to sit in the Race Office.

Do you think that will help calm those situations?

I believe so. Formula 4 CEZ is far more than a racing championship. It is not only the entry-level category on the path to professional motorsport, but also a place where young drivers develop their racing skills, their character and their understanding of respect, responsibility and fair play. Team managers, engineers, mechanics, team members and the entire organisation should serve as respectful role models for our drivers. Rivalry on the racetrack is an essential part of motorsport. Hostility, personal attacks and public accusations are not.

What do you expect from the remainder of the season?

Naturally, I expect a major battle for the title. There are still 150 points available, and at least five drivers have a realistic chance of becoming champion. The women’s standings are also extremely close.

In any case, I would like to appeal to everyone, that trophies and championship titles are important, but they are also temporary. What endures are the values by which we practise our sport: fairness, integrity, respect and mutual support.

At the same time, preparations for the 2027 season are already in full swing. What can you tell us about it?

We will race at the same circuits as this year, and we published the provisional dates this week. Based on our experience this season, and in line with the FIA’s proposal for Formula 4, we are reducing the maximum grid size to 36 cars. We again plan to use split qualifying and a four-race weekend format, while the limit of six cars per team will remain in place.

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