May 26, 2026 | News | Formula Winter Series
The Formula Winter Series is introducing a new competition format. The aim of this tournament format is to reduce the number of cars on track per race while also giving rookies and midfield drivers greater exposure through the new “Contenders Race.”
Fewer cars per race, but twice as many races
The Formula Winter Series has established itself as one of the leading winter training platforms for ambitious Formula 4 drivers, featuring five FIA-homologated circuits across Spain and Portugal. Over the past four seasons, the championship has also developed into a highly competitive and internationally respected series.
Series promoter GEDLICH Racing will now introduce a tournament format in which the grid size will be limited to 28 cars per race. At the same time, the overall number of race heats will be doubled, ensuring an increased number of starting opportunities for participating teams and drivers.
One qualifying session determines two preliminary races
Each event weekend will begin with two qualifying sessions, in which 28 cars compete for the starting positions in the opening two races. The fastest drivers from Group A and Group B will each contest separate races based on their qualifying results.
A key feature of the format is that, in the second race, drivers with odd-numbered qualifying positions and drivers with even-numbered qualifying positions will compete against one another.
Only the best reach the Masters Race – separate race for the midfield
The concluding highlight of each Formula Winter Series weekend will be the “Masters Race,” featuring the top 28 drivers from the opening two race heats. Qualification for the Masters Race will be determined by combining the finishing positions from the first two races, with the top 14 drivers from each preliminary race advancing to the final showdown.
Drivers finishing outside the Masters Race qualification positions will compete in the newly introduced “Contenders Race.” The dedicated race is designed to provide rookies and developing drivers with the opportunity to compete for podium finishes and increased exposure through television coverage and media reporting.
New points system creates more balance and opportunities for rising drivers
The new Formula Winter Series points system will award points for positions 1 through 14 in both preliminary races as well as in the Masters Race. In addition, the top three finishers in the Contenders Race will score points on a 3-2-1 basis.
This means that developing drivers also have a strong incentive to finish on the podium in the Contenders Race and collect championship points. Stefan Lehner, Head of Race Series at GEDLICH Racing, explains:
“We believe this is a very fair approach because the Contenders Race effectively represents drivers performing from 15th place downward. Therefore, we are extending the points system from P15 onward and awarding points to the top three finishers.”
The new system rewards top drivers who consistently finish races and avoid costly retirements while also creating incentives for newcomers and rising talents to fight for podium finishes in the Contenders Race.
Jerez returns to the calendar – five events remain
For the 2027 season, Circuito de Jerez will return to the calendar. “The circuit is very popular with drivers because of its layout and, thanks to its location near the southernmost point of Europe, it offers excellent weather reliability. We are excited to race there again in 2027,” said Lehner.
The Formula Winter Series calendar will continue to feature five event locations. Aragón will be removed from the 2027 schedule, while Portimão, Estoril, Valencia, and Barcelona remain part of the championship as particularly popular venues.
Registration opens in June
Registration for the series will open June 1st, through the series promoter GEDLICH Racing. Teams that were already registered in the previous season will receive priority consideration, but new teams will also have the opportunity to participate thanks to the series’ increased overall capacity.
