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PaddockScout’s Championship of the Year

FIA F3 European Championship

Last year’s re-launch of the FIA F3 European Championship was, it’s safe to say, a success, with a strong, sizable grid and a superb calendar. However, beneath all the fanfare and the expansion, it wasn’t that different from its predecessor – the F3 Euro Series – with the same top teams and top drivers with plenty of F3 experience.

The 2014 season, however, was a game-changer. The arrival of lightning-fast rookies in Esteban Ocon and Max Verstappen claimed all the headlines but, even besides them, FIA F3 probably boasted the strongest top ten of any junior single-seater championship in 2014.

While Prema reigned supreme, Carlin’s six-car lineup did wonders for the depth of the grid, while Van Amersfoort and Mucke ensured that the two teams were not left fighting between themselves.

The grid was better, the racing was improved and, while some criticism is certainly warranted over FIA’s methods of strengthening their F3 series, the results speak for themselves.

As such, FIA F3 is our Best Championship 0f 2014.