F4 Esports Global Championship Returns with $35K Prize Pool from iRacing and FIA

iRacing and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) are set to kick off the FIA F4 Esports Global Championship presented by MOZA for its third year, with the eight-race series starting on October 31.

This year’s championship boasts a prize pool of $35,000 and will be streamed live on iRacing’s social media platforms. Competitors will qualify through the FIA F4 Esports Regional Tours during Season 3 of 2026, with the top 10 drivers from the Europe, Americas, and Asia-Pacific regions earning spots in the global championship.

The return of this series highlights a successful collaboration between a motorsport governing body and esports, utilizing the platform not just for entertainment but also as a means to recruit and engage new participants. The partnership began in 2023 when the Formula iR-04 was rebranded as the FIA F4 within iRacing. The FIA has since leveraged this program to allow national sporting authorities, known as ASNs, to provide iRacing access and the FIA F4 car to newcomers through their member clubs.

This structure gives the championship a unique business model compared to many standalone esports events. Instead of relying solely on prize money or team involvement, the FIA F4 program acts as a funnel: regional participation leads to global competition, while the FIA’s network of national members extends its reach beyond iRacing’s current subscriber base.

The format for 2026 remains similar to previous years, featuring four doubleheader events on October 31, November 7, November 14, and November 21. Drivers will compete using fixed setups, with track details revealed just 24 hours before each race, emphasizing adaptability over extensive preparation.

The prize pool stays consistent at $35,000, maintaining the same level as the 2025 championship, following an initial $25,000 purse for the inaugural 2024 event.

MOZA Racing returns as the presenting sponsor, offering sim racing hardware like direct-drive wheelbases, pedals, and steering wheels, making the FIA F4 program an ideal marketing avenue for a brand targeting competitive sim racers and motorsport enthusiasts.