Formula 5 in the Making? Examining FIA Karting’s Spec Racing Plan

Manufacturers might need to start looking closer at their 10 year plans!

The history of FIA Karting is filled with numerous initiatives that never fully succeeded. World Formula, the transition to 4-stroke engines, the mysterious intent behind KF4, and now the introduction of OK-N… These examples highlight challenges in aligning with the interests of the average karting enthusiast. However, we now face what might be seen as a last-ditch effort to regain relevance.

FIA Global Karting Plan

If there was ever any uncertainty about the FIA’s vision for karting, it has now been firmly dispelled. As part of their Global Plan, they state: “Drivers will be evaluated within the four core areas taught at the Excellence Centre. The top junior driver will receive financial support to continue their development in the FIA Karting system, while the best senior driver will receive financial support to progress into a national Formula 4 Championship – Certified by FIA.”. This represents a clear intent to expand outside of the current FIA Academy classes.

It wouldn’t be surprising if their next initiative is named Formula 5. The press release notably fails to acknowledge karting’s rich and unique history. Instead, the emphasis is on creating a spec arrive-and-drive category that can be implemented across all levels of the sport, from clubs to FIA international events. As stated: “These arrive-and-drive competitions can be held at club and commercially-organised levels, through ASN and promoter-run national and regional events, and finally at FIA international levels. They will feature single-make karts with spec chassis and engines.”

The FIA does not entirely disregard the current structure of karting, describing this new plan as coexisting with the existing “ecosystem” of the sport. This system allows “mechanical enthusiasts who enjoy the complexity of optimising and maintaining machinery” to exist alongside those “who do not have the interest or competences to engage on the mechanical side.” However, the irony here is striking: if the aim is to prepare drivers for Formula 1, mechanical engagement and understanding should be seen as essential skills.

The FIA President commented: “Karting is absolutely critical to the future of all motorsport. If you look now at our World Championships, all of the drivers have come through grassroots pathways. With a truly global plan, we are demonstrating our commitment to increasing accessibility and opportunities, ensuring diversity and equality in motorsport. Karting is a sport open to all.”

Notably absent from this statement is any recognition of karting's achievement in producing a female World Champion, which underscores the importance of celebrating such milestones in the sport's history. This omission is perhaps unsurprising but still disappointing. Karting already offers many of the opportunities the FIA claims to be fostering. In fact, arrive-and-drive karting can often prove more expensive than traditional models. Moreover, the FIA’s efforts here seem to overlook and underappreciate karting’s deep and storied history, especially during the 60th anniversary of the World Karting Championship this year.

With the promotion of spec competition, manufacturers and those who value authentic karting face a significant wake-up call—perhaps the most substantial one in the sport’s 60-year history. It might be time to start considering alternatives to the FIA before it’s too late.