The Case for a Complete Open-Wheel Ladder in iRacing
iRacing fans have long debated whether officially licensed F3, F2, F1, and Formula E cars would make the simulator more authentic. The sim already offers a structured license system, but the open-wheel ladder feels unfinished. In real motorsport, drivers climb from Formula 4 to Formula 3 to Formula 2—and finally Formula 1. Could iRacing replicate that experience with official FIA content?
Why Official FIA Cars Would Be Appealing
A full FIA-style progression would mirror the GT journey many racers love: GT4 → GT3 → LMP2 → IMSA. For open-wheel fans, a licensed F4 → F3 → F2 → F1 route could make career progression feel seamless and realistic.
Adding Formula E would also diversify gameplay with electric-specific tactics like regen, battery management, and lift-and-coast racing unseen in combustion series.
Why Licensing Makes It Difficult
Securing rights for Formula One, Formula Two, and Formula Three is complicated. These series have exclusive game partnerships with other publishers, and Formula E’s license is also tied up elsewhere. Unlike GT classes—where iRacing can license cars directly from manufacturers—spec series are controlled by the FIA or series owners, making official deals unlikely anytime soon.
iRacing’s Functional Alternatives
While not FIA-branded, iRacing already provides similar steps. The Formula Vee, Formula Ford, and FIA F4 start the ladder; the Dallara F3 and Super Formula fill the mid-range; and modern F1-style performance comes via manufacturer partnerships. Each delivers the right speed, handling, and skill development—even without the official names.
Would More Cars Split the Player Base?
Adding too many open-wheel series risks fragmenting participation. iRacing already balances multiple road series, and new tiers could lower grid counts and weaken matchmaking. Before introducing more single-seater content, it’s worth asking whether players would race it consistently or if it would simply divide active racers.
Is There Real Demand for F1 and Formula E in iRacing?
Interest exists—but it’s not universal. F1-style cars draw attention but historically see lower average participation than GT and oval series. Formula E’s energy-saving and regen systems make it unique, yet niche. Without official circuits and branding, any FE-style series in iRacing might struggle to stay populated.
More Than Just Branding
The real-world FIA ladder depends on sponsors, budgets, and promotion. iRacing’s system rewards skill and safety, not funding. Whether you’re driving the Dallara F3 or the Super Formula, the focus is the same—clean racing and skill improvement. That’s what makes iRacing’s ladder work, even without FIA decals.
The Verdict
A fully licensed FIA open-wheel path would be exciting, but licensing realities make it unlikely soon. Thankfully, iRacing’s current lineup already mimics the F3–F1 experience. Adding more cars might not improve competition—it could dilute it. For now, iRacing racers can already climb from entry-level single-seaters to top-tier open-wheel machinery and master the same skills, logos or not.
