How to Steer Your Formula Career on iRacing

If you're passionate about formula racing and want to climb the iRacing ladder in the road category, there’s a well-defined path that mirrors the real-world motorsport progression. iRacing offers a structured license system, and each class opens up new and more powerful vehicles, allowing you to grow as a driver and take on more competitive challenges. Here’s a breakdown of how to build your formula racing career on iRacing, starting from the Rookie level.

Your journey begins in the Rookie class with the Formula 1600. This car is the perfect introduction to formula racing: light, nimble, and with no aerodynamic downforce. It’s all about learning the fundamentals of car control, braking, and cornering. Since there's no grip from wings, you’ll develop a strong understanding of how tires work and how to maximize mechanical grip. It’s a forgiving car that rewards clean driving and consistency—ideal for new drivers getting used to the iRacing environment.

Class D

Once you graduate from Rookie, you can move into Class D and start racing in the Formula 4 series. This is currently one of the most populated open-wheel categories on iRacing, which means you’ll always find competitive races. The F4 introduces a modest level of aerodynamic grip, more power, and slightly more complex car behavior. It’s a great place to sharpen your racecraft in tighter packs and begin understanding the importance of downforce and slipstreaming.

In Class C, you get to choose between two exciting cars: the Formula 3 and the Super Formula Lights. Formula 3 offers a globally recognized experience with balanced handling and a strong focus on aerodynamics. Super Formula Lights, on the other hand, bring a more aggressive setup with slightly more grip and speed. Both cars are excellent platforms to prepare for high-level racing, requiring greater throttle control, better tire management, and more precise driving.

At this level, you’re getting into elite territory. You have two excellent options: the Dallara IR-18 IndyCar or the Super Formula SF23. IndyCar offers a unique blend of road and oval racing, and it’s a bit less reliant on downforce compared to other top-tier formula cars. You’ll need to master aerodynamic drafting and oval strategy, as well as traditional road course skills. Furthermore, top sim drivers compete in the iRacing IndyCar Pro series. The Super Formula, in contrast, is a high-downforce, high-grip machine. While it sticks to the road, it requires a smooth throttle—especially on cold tires—to avoid oversteer and maintain control through fast corners.

At the pinnacle of the iRacing formula ladder is the Formula A Series, featuring the cutting-edge F1 Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E Performance. This car delivers massive aerodynamic and mechanical grip, as well as incredible power. It's a true test of skill, and driving it successfully requires precision, advanced car setup knowledge, and lightning-fast reflexes. Only the most skilled and dedicated drivers thrive here.

Progressing through the road racing ranks on iRacing is a truly rewarding experience. With each license class, the challenge grows—not just in speed, but in the precision and technique demanded from the driver. Whether you're in it for realism, fierce competition, or the pure excitement of formula racing, a clear and thrilling path lies ahead—and with Fanatec gear, you'll have the perfect tools to conquer every step of the journey.