F1 EXPLAINS: Oscar Piastri and commentator Alex Jacques reveal why F2 and F3 are the perfect proving grounds for Formula 1

F1 stars of the future show their speed in Formula 2 and Formula 3. The categories immediately below Formula 1 in the motorsport ladder are the perfect place for a driver to sharpen their skills and prove they're ready to move up.

But how do F2 and F3 work? How are the cars different? And how do they prepare drivers for Formula 1?

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To answer those questions and many more, this week’s episode of F1 Explains – the podcast that teaches you all you need to know about the sport – sees presenters Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne speak to 2020 F3 and 2021 F2 champion and current McLaren racer Oscar Piastri, along with commentator Alex Jacques.

They deep dive into the two junior championships, and find out why – with the likes of Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Lando Norris and Piastri himself having all graduated from the series in recent seasons – the label ‘the Road to F1’ is so apt.

To listen to the episode, hit go on the audio player above – or click here to listen on your preferred podcasting platform.

F1 EXPLAINS: Points, pronunciations and pit lane history – Your questions answered in a quickfire special

And to get your questions answered, you can send a query about any F1 topic you fancy to F1Explains@F1.com. Our intrepid podcast team will then hunt down the best person in the paddock to give you the answer.

All episodes of F1 Explains are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other major podcast apps. New episodes are released every Friday.