The automotive racing scene is buzzing with anticipation as the newly established German Formula 4 series reveals its confirmed roster of 14 teams for the upcoming 2027 season. This championship, which marks a significant return after a four-year hiatus, is slated to feature five exhilarating rounds as a support event for the prestigious DTM. The sheer volume of interest in the series, orchestrated by Gedlich Racing, underscores a robust demand, with numerous applicants vying for a spot on the grid.
German Formula 4: New Teams, Notable Figures, and an Action-Packed Calendar
On October 7, 2026, the motorsport community received exciting news regarding the German Formula 4 series. Organized by Gedlich Racing, this championship is poised to revive junior open-wheel racing in Germany after a four-year absence. The series has officially confirmed 14 teams for its debut season in 2027, which will be integrated into five DTM support events, promising a vibrant platform for emerging talent.
The selection process was highly competitive, with organizers reporting applications from over 70 potential entries for a grid limited to a maximum of 36 cars. This intense interest highlights the burgeoning appeal of the new series. The cost of entry for a car is approximately 100,000 euros, with running costs projected to exceed 500,000 euros annually, signaling a substantial investment for participating teams.
Among the confirmed teams is Comtoyou Racing, a Belgian squad that has previously achieved success in DTM, notably securing Aston Martin's first two victories with Nicki Thiim. Their entry into formula racing marks a new chapter for the team, which plans to field two cars. No drivers have been announced for Comtoyou Racing as of yet.
The series also attracted prominent figures from the broader motorsport world. LN4 Fusion, a team co-founded by none other than Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris, is set to join the grid. The team's name incorporates Norris's initials and his iconic racing number four. Interestingly, Norris himself competed in German Formula 4 in 2015 with the Mucke team, even clinching a win at Spa during his brief three-race appearance.
Another notable entry is FS Motorsports, with its initials hinting at its distinguished founders: BMW factory driver and former DTM competitor Augusto Farfus, and motorsport promoter Mauricio Slaviero, a key figure in the TCR world. These two Brazilians utilize the German Formula 4 series as an extension of their driver management agency, FS Management.
Adding further gravitas to the lineup, the newly formed Vanwall F4 Racing project will be led by former Formula 1 team principal Colin Kolles and open-wheel racing veteran Trevor Carlin. Based at the ByKolles facility, Vanwall F4 Racing plans to enter the maximum allowed four cars. Other teams committed to running four cars include Dutch powerhouse Van Amersfoort Racing, known for nurturing talents like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, and German team Mathilda Racing.
The confirmed teams for the inaugural German F4 series include: Van Amersfoort Racing, Mathilda Racing, Vanwall F4 Racing, LN4 Fusion, Jenzer Motorsport, Step Motorsport, Renauer Motorsport, CRAM, AS Motorsport, Dutt Motorsport, drive.solutions, Comtoyou Racing, PK Carsport, and FS Motorsports.
The provisional race calendar for 2027 is as follows:
- May 7-9: Oschersleben (DTM support)
- June 18-20: Lausitzring (DTM support)
- July 2-4: Norisring (DTM support - to be confirmed)
- July 30-August 1: Red Bull Ring (ADAC Racing Weekend)
- August 20-22: Nürburgring (DTM support)
- September 24-26: Sachsenring (DTM support)
- October 1-3: Hockenheim (ADAC Racing Weekend)
This upcoming season promises a thrilling return for German Formula 4, offering a critical stepping stone for aspiring young drivers and an exciting spectacle for racing enthusiasts.
The revitalization of the German Formula 4 championship presents a pivotal opportunity for the future of motorsport. By integrating it into the DTM support program, young drivers gain invaluable exposure on major racing weekends, accelerating their development and providing a clear pathway to higher echelons of racing. The significant demand for team entries, even with substantial financial commitments, highlights the robust health and enduring appeal of grassroots motorsport. Furthermore, the involvement of established entities and celebrated figures like Lando Norris and Augusto Farfus not only lends credibility but also injects star power, inspiring the next generation of racing champions and enriching the competitive landscape.
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