Norris-backed LN4 Fusion and Invicta join expanded 36-car Formula Regional grid for 2027

A significant expansion is coming to the junior single-seater ladder, with the FIA and the Automobile Club d'Italia confirming a 36-car grid for the 2027 FIA Formula Regional European Championship. Twelve teams fielding three cars each have been selected for the category's second campaign, an increase of six entries over the inaugural 2026 season. Heading the newcomers are Invicta Racing and LN4 Fusion, a newly established operation co-founded by reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris.

Co-founded by Norris, LN4 Fusion arrives on the official entry list with facilities in both the Veneto region of northern Italy and the United Kingdom. Assembled with what the governing body described as a strong personnel line-up, the organisation is already targeting expansion into additional racing categories during 2027. Norris's direct investment in an operational team adds another active grand prix driver to the junior paddock, reinforcing the commercial and developmental link between the contemporary Formula 1 grid and intermediate feeder series.

Alongside Norris's project, Invicta Racing will make its championship debut to establish an integrated pathway beneath its leading Formula 2 programme. The British-based team arrives with serious pedigree in the higher tiers, having secured consecutive F2 drivers' crowns with Gabriel Bortoleto in 2024 and Leonardo Fornaroli in 2025. Invicta currently leads the 2026 Formula 2 standings with Rafael Câmara heading into the final two rounds of the year, and stepping into Formula Regional gives the outfit direct control over early talent development.

Full retention across the existing paddock provided the foundation for this grid expansion. All ten outfits from the inaugural 2026 season reapplied and earned selection for 2027: ART Grand Prix, CL Motorsport, G4 Racing, MP Motorsport, Prema Racing, R-ace GP, Rodin Motorsport, RPM, Trident Motorsport and Van Amersfoort Racing. FIA Single-Seater Commission president Emanuele Pirro welcomed the clean sweep of renewals as a major endorsement of the series, noting that the addition of two competitive operations to create a 36-car field will strengthen the championship's status as the intermediate bridge between Formula 4 and FIA Formula 3.

On track, the 12 entrants will run the second-generation Tatuus T 326 chassis fitted with Pirelli tyres. Developed by the Italian constructor in partnership with the FIA, the car incorporates aerodynamic principles derived from modern Formula 1 regulations to promote closer racing while raising safety and performance benchmarks. Drivers also have access to a steering-wheel-activated Race Mode push-to-pass system, delivering full engine output for overtaking opportunities following extensive research and development by the federation.

Scheduled across ten events, the 2027 calendar begins at Portugal's Autodromo do Algarve in Portimão from 8 to 11 April. A central feature of the upcoming itinerary is a provisional agreement to place the championship on the official Formula 1 support bill at the Hungarian Grand Prix, subject to contract. Competing on a grand prix weekend exposes young competitors directly to Formula 1 team management, matching the commercial visibility enjoyed by Formula 2 and Formula 3.

That direct line to Formula 1 has quickly become the defining currency of the category, which succeeded the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine for 2026. Current grand prix drivers Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Franco Colapinto and Isack Hadjar all progressed through Formula Regional competition, while numerous 2026 contenders drove with official Formula 1 junior academy backing. With Emanuele Olivieri having captured the 2026 crown ahead of Sebastian Wheldon, Kean Nakamura-Berta and Rashid Al Dhaheri, next year's expanded entry list ensures the fight for grand prix attention will only intensify.

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