Formula 4 drivers to feature at Grand Prix weekend
Dominic Stott (right) will manage Hitech racing's five F4 entries at the British GP, including Anglo-Algerian driver Leo Robinson (left) [Robert Constantin/BBC]
Motorsport history will be made at this year's British Grand Prix when four different classifications of formula racing compete at the same event for the first time.
Silverstone Circuit will host Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula 4, as part of F1's 75th anniversary celebrations.
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The Northamptonshire track is expected to host about 480,000 people from 3 to 6 July.
Dominic Stott, from Silverstone-based Hitech which runs teams in F2, F3 and F4, said the addition of F4 to the event schedule was a "milestone moment" for its young drivers.
"This event will provide an incredible stage for them to showcase their talent in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, and the Formula 1 teams they hope to go on to race for," he said.
The F4 British Championship, which held its inaugural season in 2015, has been a training ground for a number of drivers who have gone on to race in F1, including current McLaren team-mates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
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F4's Silverstone appearance will be a non-points scoring round for its 2025 Championship and will consist of two 25-minute plus one-lap races, with track action taking place across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Stott added: "While there are no points at stake for this event, I am sure they [our drivers] will be looking to shine on the F1 stage and make the most of this very special opportunity."
About 480,000 people are expected to visit Silverstone in Northamptonshire for the British Grand Prix weekend [Getty Images]
Eve Lake-Grange, British F4 Championship manager, said: "To have the opportunity to compete on the support bill of Formula 1 at the British Grand Prix is something that we've been working towards for a long time, so we are delighted to have been able to now make it happen.
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"We pride ourselves on being the first step on the pathway to Formula 1, and for our drivers to be able to see the potential career roadmap that is ahead of them – on the same weekend that they are competing – will be both special and inspiring."
What is Formula 4?
Formula 4 serves as an entry-level series for drivers transitioning from karting.
The British F4 Championship is open to drivers aged 15 and over and offers a training ground for aspiring F1 drivers to adapt to the higher speeds, aerodynamics and handling of open-wheel cars.
Vehicles in the category are designed with a far less technical specification when compared with higher formula categories, with the intention of making them more accessible and cost-effective for both drivers and teams.
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F4 cars can reach a top speed of about 150mph (240km/h), while F1 cars race at up to 230mph (370km/h).
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