A platform for up-and-coming motorsport talent in Germany is back. F4 Germany launches in 2027, offering not only a platform for young drivers, but also support via a substantial prize initiative. The series will primarily run alongside the DTM.
Top-tier calendar within the DTM framework
Promoter GEDLICH Racing, known for the Formula Winter Series, a Formula 4 championship held in Spain and Portugal during the winter months, targeted the DTM platform as the destination for the new championship. Stefan Lehner, Head of Racing Series at GEDLICH Racing, stated: "The DTM is Europe's number one motorsport platform. Having the opportunity to race on such a high-profile stage, with its outstanding spectator numbers and media attention, is a tremendous opportunity for young talent and for the return of formula racing to Germany. For the majority of its calendar, the F4 Germany will race as part of the DTM platform on its renowned circuits. A small number of additional events will be held within the framework of the ADAC Racing Weekend."
FIA-certified championship with DMSB support
F4 Germany is a German championship, for which GEDLICH Racing and the DMSB have secured licensing from the international motorsport authority, the FIA. Consequently, Super Licence points will be awarded to the series frontrunners to aid their journey towards Formula One. "We are grateful for the excellent support from the German Motor Sport Federation (DMSB), which worked with us - and in cooperation with the FIA - over a long period to bring this arrangement to fruition," said Robin Selbach, Managing Director of GEDLICH Racing.
“With the FIA-certified F4 Germany, we are strengthening formula racing in Germany. Formula 4 represents a crucial step in the development of young drivers on their journey to the highest level of motorsport. We are delighted to support this process together with GEDLICH Racing, the FIA and all other partners, and look forward with great anticipation to the debut season of this new junior championship,” said Robin Strycek, DMSB Board Member for Sport.
Supporting Young Talent with €500,000 in "Prize Gold"
"A national Formula 4 series must keep one thing firmly in sight above all else: the development of young talent. During the winter months, we are the leading platform for young drivers to prepare for their championship campaigns. With F4 Germany, we are going a step further: we are supporting particularly talented drivers with a prize pool worth half a million euros!" says Markus Gedlich, founder of GEDLICH Racing. "This offers young drivers a genuine opportunity to advance to higher categories, while giving teams greater flexibility when signing young talent from karting."
The prizes are to be awarded in the form of "Prize Gold“ - hence F4 Germany’s slogan, "Race for Gold." This is provided by Top G Racing, a partner specializing in the environmentally friendly extraction of gold ("ethical gold"), which also serves as F4 Germany’s main commercial partner.
Competition Format Based on International Standards; Pirelli as Tire Partner
Each weekend, F4 Germany will hold three races preceded by two qualifying sessions, placing it in good international company regarding its competition format.
The series also aligns with international standards regarding tires, specifically Pirelli. Stefan Lehner notes: "We have been working with Pirelli for years; there is a long-standing partnership between GEDLICH Racing and this renowned manufacturer. We are very pleased to have Pirelli on board for F4 Germany, bringing their international standards to the German market."
Fixed Test Days for Optimal Cost Transparency
A junior racing series relies on cost transparency and control. To prevent costs - particularly for test sessions - spiralling out of control, F4 Germany mandates a fixed testing schedule. Up to 20 test days will be distributed across the season, including two pre-season tests. Most race events will feature a Thursday test session, alongside collective tests at circuits relevant to the season.
Technical Support and Monitoring
Proven partners are employed to ensure reliable technical operations. The regulations mandate the use of latest-generation Formula 4 cars with Tatuus chassis, as well as the proven Abarth engine supplied by ATM. Technical partner ATM will be on-site to ensure everything runs according to technical specifications, and Tatuus will also be present to handle spare parts supply. Experienced race stewards ensure technical parity, as the deciding factor in F4 Germany is intended to be, above all, the drivers' talent.
Provisional F4 Germany Calendar*
Hockenheimring
Spa / Red Bull Ring / Zandvoort (tbc)
Lausitzring
Norisring
Oschersleben
Nürburgring
Sachsenring
*of which at least 5 events are part of the DTM.