The Prema Racing Team is one of the most successful and renowned teams in the world of motorsport, particularly in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Known for its consistency, technical expertise, and ability to nurture young talent, Prema has become a dominant force in the development of future Formula 1 drivers.
Prema Racing was founded in 1983 by Angelo Rosin in Italy. Initially, the team competed in various Italian-based racing series and lower-tier single-seater categories. It gradually built a strong reputation for developing competitive cars and establishing itself as a serious contender in motorsport. Over the years, Prema expanded its operations and moved into international series, including Formula Renault and Formula 3.
The team first entered the Formula 3 European Championship in the late 2000s, marking the beginning of its rise to prominence in junior open-wheel racing. Prema’s performances in Formula 3 were quickly noticed, and the team earned a reputation for being highly effective in developing drivers and cars to succeed at the highest levels of motorsport.
Prema’s involvement in FIA Formula 3 (previously known as the GP3 Series before it was rebranded in 2019) began in 2016, when the team joined the newly established FIA Formula 3 European Championship (now a part of the FIA Formula 3 series). The team's entrance into the championship was part of a larger strategy to become a dominant force in the development of drivers destined for Formula 1.
The team’s technical and operational excellence became apparent right from the start, as Prema consistently produced fast cars that allowed its drivers to be competitive. Their immediate success established them as one of the key teams in Formula 3, as they continued to win races and championships.
Prema’s dominance in Formula 3 was evident in the years that followed, and the team has become synonymous with success in the series. Key milestones include:
2016: Prema Racing’s first major success in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship came in 2016, when Lance Stroll, a future Formula 1 driver, claimed the championship. This marked Prema's arrival as a serious contender in the European championship and established their ability to develop young drivers into potential Formula 1 stars.
2017-2018: Prema’s success continued with a strong showing in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, Mick Schumacher, son of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher, joined the team. Schumacher's performance helped elevate Prema's standing further, and he went on to claim multiple podium finishes, showcasing the team’s ability to develop top-level talent.
2019: The 2019 season saw Prema expand into the new FIA Formula 3 Championship, a restructured series that replaced the GP3 Series. The team continued its winning ways, with Robert Shwartzman and Marcus Armstrong driving for the team. Prema won both the Drivers’ and Teams' Championships that year, cementing their dominance in the category.
2020-2021: In 2020, Prema’s driver Oscar Piastri emerged as a star, winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Piastri’s success in F3 continued the team’s run of championships, reinforcing Prema’s reputation for producing talented drivers who can succeed at the highest levels of motorsport.
2022-2023: The team maintained its competitive edge, attracting top-tier talent like Jak Crawford and Arthur Leclerc. These years continued to showcase Prema's ability to develop and nurture drivers, ensuring that they remain a top contender in Formula 3.
One of the standout features of Prema Racing’s operations is its role as a key stepping stone for young drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1. Over the years, Prema has served as a critical platform for future F1 drivers. Many successful Formula 1 drivers, such as Lance Stroll, Mick Schumacher, Oscar Piastri, and Robert Shwartzman, have raced for Prema before making the jump to Formula 1.
The team has built strong relationships with major Formula 1 teams, often serving as a development team for driver academies such as those from Ferrari, Red Bull, and Alpine. This has enabled Prema to attract some of the best young driving talent in the world and provide them with the best possible environment to showcase their abilities and hone their skills.
Prema Racing has set the bar for excellence in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. The team's commitment to high standards, technical innovation, and driver development has made it one of the most successful teams in recent years. Prema's continuous success in the series has made it a dominant force in single-seater racing, and its consistent performance has solidified its place as one of the premier teams in motorsport's junior categories.
As of 2025, Prema Racing continues to be a key contender in FIA Formula 3, with an eye on the future as they remain committed to developing the next generation of motorsport talent. The team's legacy in Formula 3 is firmly established, and it will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of Formula 1.