LONDON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Formula Two and Formula Three, support series for Formula One, will no longer feature on the same weekends next season as part of a cost-cutting move after a year battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers said on Friday.
The two series will expand to three races per weekend, rather than two at present, but with a presence at fewer events.
Formula Two will feature at eight of the grand prix weekends, instead of a current 12, and Formula Three seven. Formula One has yet to publish a 2021 calendar but could stretch to a record 23 rounds.
Formula Two said no new car would be introduced for the next three-year cycle from 2021 and the costs of freight and engine leasing will be significantly lower.
Mick Schumacher, son of Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) great and seven-times Formula One champion Michael, is leading this year's F2 championship and is expected to move up to F1 with the U.S.-owned Haas team.
Australian Oscar Piastri has already won the F3 title.