Where F1 Stars Are Made: A First Look at F2's 10th Anniversary Documentary

Presented by F1 commentator Alex Jacques, who began his career in Formula 2, Where F1 Stars are Made explores the challenges of navigating the single-seater ladder — from karting to Formula Regional to Formula 3, before competing against a world-class field of talent in Formula 2 for an opportunity to reach the pinnacle of motorsport in Formula 1. These drivers often join the junior programs of F1 teams, providing them with the support and resources they need to compete at the highest level.

The documentary begins with Jacques reflecting on the evolution of F1's support ladder before describing the introduction of modern Formula 2 in 2017 as "a new golden era." From inaugural champion Charles Leclerc to the class of 2018, headlined by Lando Norris, George Russell, and Alex Albon, Formula 2 attracted elite talent. Norris called the competition that year "the best drivers I've ever raced against". Five years later, 2021 F2 Champion Oscar Piastri joined Norris at McLaren, making them the first teammates in F1 history to have both competed in Formula 2.

The number of drivers promoted from Formula 2 to Formula 1 has surged in recent seasons. Oliver Bearman, Franco Colapinto, and Jack Doohan graduated in 2024, while Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto signed the following season. Between Antonelli's record-breaking season and Hadjar's three podiums already in 2026, F2 drivers are reaching the highest levels of Formula 1 faster than ever.

Featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with F2 alumni including Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and many more, Where F1 Stars are Made reveals how Formula 2 is designed to prepare young drivers for the demands of Formula 1. Whether it's managing multiple tire compounds, integrating with a large team, or navigating the pressure-cooker environment of high stakes single-seater racing, the documentary highlights how Formula 2 serves as a proving ground for the sport's highest level. Examples of how quickly F2 drivers can acclimate to F1 are highlighted throughout the film, including Bearman's P7 performance as an emergency replacement for Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Briton stepped into the car in Free Practice 3 and had just one hour on track to prepare for qualifying.

Formula 2 and Formula 3 CEO Bruno Michel describes Formula 2 as "a driver's championship" because all cars use the same specification from a single manufacturer. With few advantages between the teams, talent and raw pace are on full display. Jacques added, "There's nowhere to hide when the glare of the F1 spotlight shines brightly, bringing drivers' skills and rough edges sharply into focus."

While the documentary looks back on the championship's first decade, the next generation of F2 graduates is already making its case for a place on the F1 grid. At Racing Bulls, Nikola Tsolov looks to unseat Liam Lawson, despite the Kiwi sitting ninth in the championship with 87 points. Meanwhile, Cadillac junior Colton Herta reportedly earned enough Super License points to race in Formula 1 next season. The American outfit could replace veteran Valtteri Bottas with Herta, giving the team an American driver as it looks to establish its identity in Formula 1.

The deciding rounds of the 2026 Formula 2 Championship are scheduled for November 28-29 in Qatar and December 5-6 in Abu Dhabi. If Haas retain Câmara for the remainder of the season, Tsolov and Alpine juniors Alex Dunne and Gabriele Mini will battle for the title and come one step closer to achieving their Formula 1 dream.

As Russell puts it in the documentary, "It's quite surreal because, when you're younger, all of the F1 drivers look like superheroes. Every time you see them you're in awe. In F2 you feel like you're within touching distance of Formula 1 — and suddenly you're on the grid with them."

Where F1 Stars are Made is available now on the F1 TV app and the Formula 1 YouTube channel.