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NACAM Formula 4 Championship
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The North and Central American (NACAM) Formula 4 Championship is a formula racing series run to FIA Formula 4 regulations. The inaugural season was held over 2015 and 2016.
Key Information
History
[edit]Gerhard Berger and the FIA Singleseater Commission launched Formula 4 in March 2013.[1] The goal of the Formula 4 was to make the ladder to Formula 1 more transparent. Besides sporting and technical regulations, costs were also regulated. A car to compete in this category may not exceed €30,000 and a single season in Formula 4 may not exceed €100,000. NACAM Formula 4 was the last series to start in 2015 and the eighth Formula 4 category overall.
Alexandra Mohnhaupt made history in 2018 as the first female driver to win a race to Formula 4 regulations, the Mexican driver winning the first and second races at the fourth round of the 2017–18 season.[2]
Car
[edit]Similarly to other Formula 4 championships, NACAM F4 uses the Tatuus F4-T421 chassis. They are powered by inline 4, 1.4 litre turbocharged engines provided by Abarth. Tyres are supplied by Pirelli.
Champions
[edit]Drivers
[edit]| Season | Champion | Team | Races | Poles | Wins | Podiums | Fastest lap | Points | Margins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 |  Axel Matus
|
Ram Racing
|
21 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 8 | 405 | 150 |
| 2016–17 |  Calvin Ming
|
Ram Racing
|
23 | 6 | 8 | 18 | 5 | 399 | 63 |
| 2017–18 | Moisés de la Vara
|
Scuderia Martiga EG
|
22 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 8 | 386 | 106 |
| 2018–19 | Manuel Sulaimán
|
Ram Racing
|
20 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 4 | 366 | 44 |
| 2019–20 | Noel León
|
Ram Racing
|
20 | 10 | 7 | 15 | 5 | 325 | 45 |
| 2021 | Non-scoring season | ||||||||
| 2022 |  Juan Felipe Pedraza
|
Ram Racing
|
17 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 7 | 274 | 84 |
| 2023 | Pedro Juan Moreno
|
Ram Racing
|
18 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 14 | 315 | 4 |
| 2024 | José Carlos Hernández
|
Alessandros Racing
|
8 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 179 | 36 |
| 2025 | Zaky Ibrahim
|
Ram Racing
|
17 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 256 | 3 |
Rookie Cup
[edit]| Season | Champion | Team | Races | Poles | Wins | Podiums | Fastest lap | Points | Margins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Moisés de la Vara
|
Momo F4
|
21 | 0 | 10 | 18 | 0 | 423 | 35 |
| 2016–17 | Manuel Sulaimán
|
Ram Racing
|
15 | 0 | 12 | 14 | 2 | 336 | 133 |
Nations Cup
[edit]| Season | Country | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Margins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Colombia
|
21 | 14 | 18 | 422 | 185 |
| 2024 | Mexico
|
8 | 7 | 8 | 193 | 132 |
| 2025 | Mexico
|
17 | 16 | 17 | 418 | 368 |
Circuits
[edit]- Bold denotes a circuit will be used in the 2025 season.
| Number | Circuits | Rounds | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
|
24[a] | 2016–2019, 2022–present |
| 2 | Autódromo Miguel E. Abed
|
12[b] | 2015–2016, 2018–2020, 2022–present |
| 3 | Autódromo de Monterrey
|
5 | 2016–2020 |
| Autódromo de Querétaro
|
5[c] | 2020, 2022–2023 | |
| 7 | Autódromo Internacional de Aguascalientes
|
3 | 2016, 2018–2019 |
| Parque Tangamanga
|
3 | 2016–2017, 2019 | |
| Autódromo Emerson Fittipaldi
|
3 | 2017–2018, 2020 | |
| 8 | Circuito Centro Dinámico Pegaso
|
2 | 2016–2017 |
| 9 |  Circuit of the Americas
|
1 | 2016 |
| Autódromo Internacional de Cancún
|
1 | 2017 |
Notes
[edit]- ^ Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez hosted 5 rounds in 2023, 4 rounds in 2022, 3 rounds in 2017–18, 2 rounds in 2016–17, 2018–19 and 2024 seasons, and it hosts 4 rounds again in 2025 season.
- ^ Autódromo Miguel E. Abed hosted 2 rounds in 2015–16 and 2018–19 seasons, and hosts 2 rounds again in 2025 season.
- ^ Autódromo de Querétaro hosted 2 rounds in 2019–20 and 2023 seasons.
References
[edit]- ^ "FIA reveals Formula 4 plan". Autosport. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
- ^ "Alexandra Mohnhaupt makes history as first female F4 winner". Formula Scout. Retrieved 1 March 2018.
External links
[edit]NACAM Formula 4 Championship
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Formation
The FIA Single-Seater Commission, chaired by former Formula One driver Gerhard Berger, announced the global Formula 4 initiative in March 2013 to establish a standardized, cost-controlled entry-level category for young drivers transitioning from karting to higher levels of single-seater racing.[7] This framework emphasized affordability and accessibility, with technical regulations designed to ensure affordability and accessibility, including a maximum chassis price of €77,000 as of 2025, and targeting overall seasonal expenses around €100,000 initially.[8][9] The NACAM Formula 4 Championship emerged as an FIA-certified regional series under this initiative, specifically tailored for North, Central America, and the Caribbean. Sanctioned jointly by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the North American Confederation of Automobile Mobility (NACAM)—the FIA's regional body representing automobile clubs in those areas—and organized by Mexico's OMDAM FIA México and operated by Notiauto, the championship launched its inaugural 2015–16 season to promote affordable single-seater racing within the region.[10] Its primary objectives included providing a structured, low-cost pathway for emerging talent from the Americas, fostering development through standardized equipment and controlled budgets that aligned with the global FIA Formula 4 guidelines.[11]Regional Scope
The NACAM Formula 4 Championship, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), primarily operates within the NACAM zone, encompassing Mexico, Central America (including countries such as Guatemala and Panama), and the Caribbean (such as Puerto Rico). While the majority of events are held in Mexico to leverage established infrastructure and fan base, the series occasionally extends to other NACAM territories, such as a round in Panama during the 2025 season, to broaden regional accessibility.[5] This geographic focus supports the development of junior motorsport in areas with varying levels of racing maturity, prioritizing Mexico as the core hub for consistent competition.[12] Driver eligibility is restricted to nationals or residents of FIA NACAM member countries, targeting young talents aged 15 and older to foster early career progression.[2] The championship serves as a key entry point in the FIA global pathway, awarding superlicence points to top performers and facilitating transitions to higher regional series like Formula Regional Americas. In Mexico, organization integrates closely with the Federación Mexicana de Automovilismo Deportivo (FEMADAC), which handles logistics, car imports, and compliance with national regulations to ensure smooth event execution.[13][14] Historically, participation has been dominated by Mexican drivers, who comprised over 90% of the field in seasons like 2023, reflecting the series' strong domestic base and proximity to primary venues.[15] Early seasons from 2015 onward showed similar trends, with Mexican entrants exceeding 80% of the grid, though international participation has grown, including entries from Colombia, Venezuela, and the United States, enhancing competitive diversity.[16][17] This evolution underscores the championship's role in regional talent cultivation beyond Mexico's borders.[12]Format and Regulations
Season Structure
The NACAM Formula 4 Championship follows a standardized season structure aligned with FIA Formula 4 regulations, featuring 6 to 7 rounds per season, with each round consisting of three races.[5][18] These rounds are held at circuits primarily in Mexico, with occasional events in other North and Central American locations to reflect the series' regional scope. A typical race weekend begins with two 30-minute free practice sessions on Friday, followed by a 20-minute qualifying session on Saturday morning.[13] Qualifying determines the starting grid for Race 1, based on the fastest lap times, while the second-fastest laps set the grid for Race 3. Race 2 employs a reverse grid for the top eight finishers from Race 1, promoting competitive racing opportunities for midfield drivers.[13] The three races—usually two 20–25 minute sprints and, if applicable, one longer feature race—do not exceed 30 minutes in duration, as stipulated by FIA sporting regulations.[2] Seasons traditionally span from October to July, timed to coincide with optimal weather conditions across the region, avoiding the intense summer heat and rainy periods. However, recent calendars have shown variations; the 2024–2025 hybrid season was abbreviated to only three rounds due to logistical challenges.[13] In contrast, the full 2025 calendar was planned for six rounds, all in Mexico except for a scheduled event at Autódromo Panamá that was ultimately postponed and not rescheduled.[5][16] This adjustment resulted in a season running from March to October, adapting to new circuit availabilities and support billing.[5]Points System
The NACAM Formula 4 Championship utilizes the standard FIA Formula 4 points scoring system, which applies uniformly to all races in the series. In each race, points are awarded to the top ten classified finishers according to the scale: 25 points for first place, 18 for second, 15 for third, 12 for fourth, 10 for fifth, 8 for sixth, 6 for seventh, 4 for eighth, 2 for ninth, and 1 for tenth. This system ensures consistent scoring across the typical weekend format of three races per event, with no reduced allocation for the reverse-grid Race 2. Tiebreakers for the championships are resolved by comparing the number of wins between tied drivers or teams; if equal, the number of second-place finishes is considered, followed by third places, and continuing down to tenth places if necessary. Should a tie persist after these criteria, the decision is made by the organizing ASN, OMDIA FIA México. The primary titles contested are the Drivers' Championship, awarded to the driver accumulating the most points over the season, and the Teams' Championship, determined by summing the points scored by each team's two highest-finishing drivers in every race. Additional classifications include the Rookie Cup, open to drivers in their debut full season, with the top rookie recognized based on points among eligible participants. The Nations Cup aggregates points earned by drivers of the same nationality to crown a national champion. Per event, trophies are presented to the driver securing pole position in qualifying and the one setting the fastest lap in each race, recognizing individual performance highlights beyond the main scoring.Technical Specifications
Chassis and Powertrain
The NACAM Formula 4 Championship employs the Tatuus F4-T421 as its standardized chassis, a second-generation design featuring a carbon fiber monocoque for enhanced rigidity and reduced weight while maintaining compliance with FIA safety standards. This construction contributes to a minimum overall vehicle weight of 585 kg, including the driver (515 kg chassis + minimum 70 kg driver), ensuring balanced handling and performance consistency across the field.[19][2] The powertrain centers on an Abarth 1.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine, positioned longitudinally in a mid-engine layout to optimize weight distribution. This unit produces 160 hp at 7,500 rpm, with a rev limit set at 8,250 rpm, providing reliable power delivery suited to the series' developmental focus.[20][19] Complementing the engine is a rear-wheel-drive configuration paired with a 6-speed sequential Sadev gearbox, which facilitates rapid shifts without the aid of electronic interventions such as traction control or ABS, thereby emphasizing driver control and skill development. The fuel system utilizes control unleaded gasoline from an appointed supplier, stored in a tank of approximately 45 liters, supporting race durations while adhering to FIA environmental guidelines.[2]Tires and Safety Features
The NACAM Formula 4 Championship employs Hoosier as the exclusive tire supplier. In 2025, the series transitioned to Hoosier, introducing dedicated MS slick tires in sizes 200/540R13 front and 250/575R13 rear for dry-weather sessions, with appropriate wet tires for rainy conditions to promote consistent performance across the field. Drivers receive 3 front and 3 rear dry tires for practice, plus 3 front and 3 rear new dry tires for qualifying and races, a measure designed to control costs and maintain competitive equity by limiting tire usage and requiring all teams to use the same specification.[21][22][2] Safety standards in the series align with FIA regulations, mandating the halo device—a titanium cockpit protection structure—since the 2024 season with the adoption of the Gen2 chassis to shield drivers from debris and impacts. The Head and Neck Support (HANS) device is also compulsory for all drivers, reducing the risk of basilar skull fractures during high-impact collisions by limiting head movement relative to the torso. Additionally, competitors must wear FIA-approved fireproof suits, gloves, and footwear, while cars are equipped with ventilated steel disc brakes and 4-piston aluminum calipers for reliable stopping power.[23] Trackside medical support includes an on-site FIA medical car staffed with trained personnel, ready to respond to incidents and provide immediate care, ensuring rapid intervention in case of accidents. Double yellow flag procedures require drivers to significantly reduce speed, be prepared to stop if necessary, and refrain from overtaking, with waved flags signaling imminent danger and stationary flags indicating a need for caution due to reduced visibility or obstacles. These protocols prioritize driver safety by enforcing controlled responses to hazards.[24]History
Early Seasons (2015–2020)
The NACAM Formula 4 Championship launched its inaugural season spanning 2015 and 2016, consisting of seven rounds all held in Mexico, with the non-championship opener at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez supporting the Formula One Mexican Grand Prix.[25][26] Mexican driver Axel Matus dominated the drivers' standings for Ram Racing, securing the title with multiple victories including at León, Pachuca, and Zacatecas.[27] Colombia claimed the first Nations Cup, accumulating 422 points through strong performances by its drivers across 21 races.[4] In the 2016–17 season, the series saw expanded international participation, attracting drivers from countries including Colombia, Guyana, the United States, Uruguay, Ireland, Brazil, Australia, and Panama, reflecting its growing appeal in North and Central America.[28] Guyanese racer Calvin Ming, competing for Ram Racing, clinched the drivers' championship on the final round at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, marking the first title for a non-Mexican driver after a commanding win from fourth on the grid.[29][30] The 2017–18 campaign highlighted further milestones, including the historic debut victory by a female driver in FIA-sanctioned Formula 4. Mexican racer Alexandra Mohnhaupt, driving for Telcel RPL Racing, became the first woman to win an F4 race globally by taking the first and second races in Round 4 at the Autódromo Miguel E. Abed in February 2018.[31] Moisés de la Vara secured the drivers' title for Martiga EG Racing with a dominant triple win in the penultimate round at Monterrey, wrapping up the championship one event early.[32] The 2018–19 season demonstrated the series' maturation through heightened competition and broader regional engagement. Manuel Sulaimán claimed the drivers' championship for Ram Racing, achieving ten wins and fifteen podiums en route to the title, which he sealed with a victory in the Mexico City finale supporting the Formula One Grand Prix.[33][34] The 2019–20 season faced significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, with multiple rounds postponed and the calendar ultimately shortened and extended into late 2020 to complete the schedule.[35][36] Noel León emerged as champion for Ram Racing, securing the title in the three-race Monterrey finale after consistent results in the condensed program.[37]Recent Seasons (2021–2025)
The 2021 NACAM Formula 4 Championship was officially cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the series instead organizing 10 non-championship rounds as limited testing and development events to keep teams and drivers active. These events, held primarily in Mexico, allowed participants to gain track time without awarding official points, focusing on recovery and preparation amid global restrictions that disrupted international travel and logistics.[38] The series revived in 2022 under new promoter Copa Notiauto, marking a return to full championship status with five rounds contested entirely in Mexico. Colombian driver Juan Felipe Pedraza dominated the season for Ram Racing, securing the drivers' title with a round to spare after winning multiple races, including a clean sweep at Autódromo Miguel E. Abed. This revival emphasized regional consolidation post-pandemic, with all events integrated into the Copa Notiauto roster to stabilize operations.[39] In 2023, the championship achieved full calendar resumption with eight rounds, primarily at Mexican venues like Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, solidifying its recovery trajectory. Pedro Juan Moreno claimed the drivers' title for Ram Racing, amassing 11 wins across the season and clinching the championship in the penultimate round at Autódromo Miguel E. Abed. The expanded schedule highlighted growing stability, with increased participation from regional talents.[40] The 2024–2025 season adopted a hybrid short format limited to three rounds due to logistical and promotional challenges, transitioning to the new Tatuus F4-T421 (Generation 2) chassis. Zaky Ibrahim established early dominance for Ram Racing, winning six of the first seven races and building a substantial points lead that positioned him as the frontrunner and eventual season champion. This condensed calendar, starting with support races at the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix, tested adaptability amid ongoing regional constraints.[13] The 2025 season expanded to a full six-round calendar, concluding on October 26 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez during the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix weekend. Zaky Ibrahim secured the drivers' championship with 256 points for Ram Racing, edging out Fernando Luque's 250 points in a tightly contested title fight that went to the final round. Ibrahim's consistent podium finishes and strategic race management proved decisive in the season's climax.[41][17] Throughout these years, the series faced persistent challenges including event postponements, such as the cancellation of the planned Round 2 at Autódromo Panamá in April 2025 due to organizational issues. Rising operational costs, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions and inflation, were mitigated through FIA support programs like the Sport Grant Programme, which provided financial aid to regional championships for development and sustainability. These adaptations underscored the series' resilience in navigating post-pandemic recovery.[5][42]Champions
Drivers' Championship
The NACAM Formula 4 Championship has crowned eight drivers' champions since its inception in 2015, with each season highlighting emerging talent from North and Central America in a competitive single-make series designed to bridge karting to higher formulas. The drivers' title is awarded based on points accumulated across multiple rounds, typically featuring 12 to 16 races, emphasizing consistency and race wins in identical spec chassis. Notable achievements include record-breaking performances and rapid advancements to international series, underscoring the championship's role as a key feeder pathway.| Season | Champion | Nationality | Points | Wins | Notable Records/Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Axel Matus | Mexico | 405 | 12 | Youngest champion at age 15; dominated inaugural split-season with multiple podiums in Mexico City and Querétaro rounds. |
| 2016–17 | Calvin Ming | Cayman Islands | 399 | 7 | Secured title with strong finishes at Circuit of the Americas; first non-Mexican winner, advancing international participation. |
| 2017–18 | Moisés de la Vara | Mexico | 202 | 4 | Clinched championship in a tightly contested season at Puebla; known for defensive driving in wet conditions. |
| 2018–19 | Manuel Sulaimán | Mexico | 267 | 6 | Overcame mid-season challenges to win title at Mexico City; set lap record at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. |
| 2019–20 | Noel León | Mexico | 189 | 3 | Prevailed in a COVID-affected shortened season; demonstrated adaptability across varied circuits like Mérida. |
| 2022 | Juan Felipe Pedraza | Colombia | 215 | 4 | First South American champion; excelled in international rounds at Austin, securing title with consistent top-three finishes. |
| 2023 | Pedro Juan Moreno | Mexico | 231 | 5 | Dominated latter rounds at Querétaro and Puebla; highlighted by a hat-trick of victories in the championship-deciding event. |
| 2025 | Zaky Ibrahim | Mexico | 256 | 6 | Crowned champion in the Mexico City finale supporting Formula 1; started season with six wins out of seven races, including a clean sweep in round two at Mexico City, overcoming later challenges.[43] |
Additional Trophies
The NACAM Formula 4 Championship recognizes outstanding performances beyond the main drivers' title through secondary awards, including the Rookie Cup, Nations Cup, and Teams' Championship, which emphasize emerging talent, national representation, and team efforts. The Rookie Cup is awarded to the highest-placing eligible rookie driver, following the same points allocation as the drivers' championship but restricted to participants in their debut season with limited prior single-seater experience. This trophy highlights new entrants adapting to Formula 4 competition. Notable early winners include Mexican driver Moisés de la Vara in the 2015–16 inaugural season and Manuel Sulaimán in 2016–17, with subsequent champions up to 2023 showcasing the series' role in nurturing young talent from North and Central America.[47] The Nations Cup aggregates points from the top-performing drivers of each country, determined by residency at the time of entry, to celebrate national strength in the regional series. Colombia secured the inaugural title in 2015–16, but Mexico has dominated the award since, benefiting from the championship's primary base in the country and strong local participation.[48] The Teams' Championship, introduced in 2017, awards points based on the combined results of a team's drivers, requiring a minimum of two registered drivers per team to qualify for scoring. This encourages team strategy and development programs. Escudería Telmex claimed the title in the 2018–19 season, while in 2025, Alessandros Racing won the teams' championship, achieving multiple podium sweeps including strong performances in the Mexico City finale.[3]Circuits
Primary Venues
The NACAM Formula 4 Championship has been contested across over ten unique circuits since its inception in 2015, all situated within the NACAM region encompassing North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, with the vast majority—approximately 90%—of events taking place in Mexico due to the series' strong base there. This concentration reflects the championship's emphasis on developing regional talent while occasionally venturing to neighboring countries to broaden its footprint. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City stands as the cornerstone venue, having hosted numerous rounds since 2016, including multiple events in 2022 (four rounds), 2023 (five rounds), 2024, and 2025 (including rounds in May, June, and the season finale on October 26), underscoring its role as the series' flagship track for high-profile events.[16] The circuit's frequent use has helped establish the championship's presence alongside major international races, such as support bills for Formula 1 grands prix.[16] Another key location is the Autódromo Miguel E. Abed in Puebla, which has accommodated multiple rounds over the years, including the 2025 season opener held on March 8–9, where three races kicked off the campaign under FIA-sanctioned conditions.[49] This venue's layout and facilities have made it a reliable choice for testing and early-season action, aligning with the series' safety standards.[50] Additional circuits have contributed to the series' diversity, particularly in its formative seasons. The Autódromo Monterrey hosted events from 2016 to 2018, providing northern Mexico with exposure to the championship. The Autódromo Guadalajara featured a round in 2017, marking a brief expansion to western Mexico.[51] Further afield, the Parque Viva circuit in Costa Rica staged a round in 2018, representing one of the series' early forays into Central America.[3] Similarly, the Autódromo Pedro Coviello (also known as Los Volcanes) in Guatemala held an event in 2019, highlighting the championship's intent to foster cross-border competition. Other notable venues include the Autódromo de Querétaro (used in 2020, 2022, and 2023), Autódromo Internacional de Aguascalientes (2016 and 2018), and Autódromo Parque Tangamanga in San Luis Potosí (2018–2020). In 2025, the series expanded to the Autódromo Internacional de Panamá for its second round.[35][52]| Circuit | Location | Rounds | Years Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez | Mexico City, Mexico | Numerous | 2016–2019, 2022–2025 |
| Autódromo Miguel E. Abed | Puebla, Mexico | Multiple | Various, incl. 2025 opener |
| Autódromo Monterrey | Monterrey, Mexico | Multiple | 2016–2018 |
| Autódromo Guadalajara | Guadalajara, Mexico | 1 | 2017 |
| Autódromo de Querétaro | Querétaro, Mexico | Multiple | 2020, 2022–2023 |
| Autódromo Internacional de Aguascalientes | Aguascalientes, Mexico | Multiple | 2016, 2018 |
| Autódromo Parque Tangamanga | San Luis Potosí, Mexico | Multiple | 2018–2020 |
| Parque Viva | Alajuela, Costa Rica | 1 | 2018 |
| Autódromo Pedro Coviello | Guatemala City, Guatemala | 1 | 2019 |
| Autódromo Internacional de Panamá | Panama City, Panama | 1 | 2025 |