Bruno Michel, CEO of Formula 2 and Formula 3, reflected the brilliant outgoing Formula 2 season which saw two drivers locked on points heading into the final weekend. Gabriel Bortoleto ultimately took the championship.
Formula 2 has been the prime way for young drivers to prove their skills and make their way up to F1. This year was a success in Michel’s eyes as we see four confirmed F2 graduates on the grid full time next year and possibly more with Red Bull’s apprehensive approach to their Red Bull and VCARB line up.
Speaking to the media, Michel says, “This has probably been the best season we have ever had in Formula 2. I think the level of the grid was amazing and the racing has been great all season long.”
The CEO was also excited to see Ollie Bearman make such an impression in Jeddah, replacing an ill Carlos Sainz. “I’m happy with the fact that we had [Ollie Bearman] start in Formula 1 this season and do well,” he reflects.
“Having Franco Colapinto and Bearman show everyone they were ready for Formula 1 is the main objective of Formula 2, so this is great.”
He mentioned that Formula 1 teams were usually apprehensive about choosing Formula 2 drivers to step up. However, he believes this season has changed their view.
“These young drivers come much more motivated and hungry [than highly experienced drivers] so F1’s defensive approach is now gone. I think they’re making good decisions now,” he says.
We could see more Formula 2 races soon
With Formula 1 expanding its calendar to a full 24 races, Formula 2 has followed. The season now consists of 28 races over 14 venues, the most ever.
With a longer calendar, though, comes extra costs. “We need to see what calendar we want,” he says. “We’re financially helping the teams for all the additional races we are doing. We’ve increased the prize fund too.
“Stefano would love us to do the 24 races F1 has, but we simply cannot.”
Before the nail-biting final two weekends of the season, fans were quick to criticise the length of the break after Azerbaijan. Bruno Michel then hinted at the possibility of more races between Baku and Qatar.
He says, “We are talking to some promoters about the races. It’s far away because it’s expensive.
“We may want to go to Austin, Mexico or Brazil. Not Las Vegas, as the track time is so limited.”
Formula 3 finished its season back in September, which Michel says is “quite interesting” for F3 drivers to finish the F2 season.
“Our format is something we’re always working on. We changed it about two years ago and we think it’s working well. We like the reverse grid despite the criticism we receive.”
Slight tweaks to the engine for 2025
The 2024 season has been a learning curve for not only the teams, but also for F2’s management. The 2024 cars were all new and brought them closer to the current generation of Formula 1.
One of the main changes was the engine, which is developed by Mecachrome. Michel says, “We are constantly improving the engine and next year the engine will be slightly different.
“We have had to develop to accommodate the Aramco 100% sustainable fuel for next season. It’s not a new engine, thank god, but the injection has a few changes.“
Although there have been questions surrounding reliability this season, he wanted to assure the fans that F2 is not worried.
“You always see everyone saying they have the worst engine on the grid. No driver ever says they have a good engine,” Michel laughs.
“We have had about four engines let go from 52 cars across F3 and F2 so I don’t call it a major issue. I’m very happy with Mecachrome this season.”
Though F2 is meant to reflect the second tier to Formula 1, he doesn’t see hybrid power any time soon.
“What Formula 1 has done is something we simply cannot afford. It’s very simple,” he says.
“We looked at what Indycar is doing, but we would then multiply the cost of a season by two or three.”
The 2025 Formula 2 season will start in Melbourne next year on the 14th of March. You can keep up with all the action on EverythingF1.
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Photo via Formula Motorsports LTD