Following the Formula 2 Sprint Race at the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, John Bennett reflected on securing his maiden victory after a hard-fought battle to the chequered flag.
“It feels amazing. I’m really just trying to enjoy every second of this. You know, I think we’ve been waiting a long time for a strong result. This year, we’ve been showing a lot of pace, but things just haven’t quite gone our way. So to have a race like this is a really good feeling.” said the first-time winner.
The race was defined by this last lap move on then race-leader Sebastian Montoya.
“I spent most of the race really just trying to hold the DRS to Montoya, trying not to drop out. And then the last, three or four laps after the VSC, I started to see him struggle […] and then on the last lap, I just said to myself, it’s now or never.”
Tables turned
Relief and redemption defined the podium in the wake of Bennett’s breakthrough. He opened up about the steep learning curve of the championship and the team effort that made the win possible.
“It’s been a long time coming. I had quite a lot of success in my previous championship, but then moving into Formula 2 was a very big step and a tricky one. So last year was all about learning and then this year I joined Trident and the step they’ve made over winter is just amazing,” reflected Bennett.
“They’ve been putting in so much work and we’ve had pace in the car every weekend now. So to finally put it all together with a win feels amazing. I can’t thank the team enough for giving me the car that they have.”
Beating the heat
Searing track temperatures of 35°C pushed both drivers and machinery to their limits at the Red Bull Ring over the weekend. The intense summer heat created a tactical headache, but it was a challenge the grid felt uniquely prepared for.
“In Formula 2, we really follow the sun around the globe. We have a lot of really hot weekends, but Barcelona last weekend was very similar temperatures, air and track. So for sure, we learned a lot from that.” said the British driver.
“We thought this weekend would be very similar on the tyres. In the Feature Race of Barcelona, we were on the Soft, and then this race we’re on the Soft. Everything we learned from last weekend, we really took into this one.”
The art of a clean fight
High speed, zero contact, and total commitment. Bennett broke down his exhilarating battle with Montoya and the unspoken trust needed to survive in one of motorsport’s most competitive junior fields.
“It was a fun fight today, we had quite a few moves on each other with no contact, which is always the goal, but it’s important to trust the cars and drivers around you. I think Formula 2 is a very skilled field, and I’m sure we’ve all been racing a long time now, we know what to expect,” explained Bennett
“I could trust Sebastian [Montoya]. He would put the car where he wanted and I would put the car where I wanted. It’s just a very enjoyable battle between the two of us.”
The Bennett Season So Far
After a frustrating start to the 2026 Formula 2 season left him searching for a breakthrough, John Bennett reflected on whether his maiden victory in Austria could finally ignite his campaign.
“I think all three of us are in a bit of a similar situation this year. We’ve all shown some speed, but we’ve had a bit of a tricky season with the results. So the podium feels really good. Definitely gives me a lot of confidence. This is really a great result for myself and shows that I have what it takes to win in Formula 2.”
“We’ve been showing a lot of pace this year, but things haven’t quite gone our way. You know, similar to Rafa, I was fighting for the podium in both races in Canada and came away with two DNFs. And that’s just sometimes how it goes. It feels really good this weekend to put it all together and get those results. I’ll just keep building on this momentum and take it into the next few weekends. Next up Silverstone, my home race, which I’m very excited for.” The Brit showed his enthusiasm for the next weekend.”
Finding his stride
“Things have clicked around here. It was strong last year, but I think this year, it isn’t really an outlier. I think I’ve actually had pace in the top 10 every weekend, this is just the first weekend where we’ve really been able to show it. Barcelona, we were on for a top five in Quali, before the red flag came out and then fought up to seventh in the Feature Race.”
The British driver’s impressive form in Spielberg prompted queries over whether the Red Bull Ring uniquely favors his driving style, or if the result is simply the byproduct of a sophomore driver hitting his stride. Despite his lack of junior-category experience on the circuit, Bennett acknowledges that the layout plays to his technical strengths.
“All the tracks to me are new. I don’t have so much experience, skipping Formula 3. I think this track does suit me a bit… the heavy braking zones have always been a bit of a strength of mine and then also the high speeds I’m quite comfortable with. I think I’ve just gotten into a good flow around here, and the car was just really strong today from Trident.”
Communication is key
Tyre management may have decided the Sprint Race, but the foundation for the victory was laid over the team radio. Reflecting on his tactical masterclass, Bennett highlighted how seamless pit-wall communication and calculated patience allowed him to time his race-winning overtake to absolute perfection.
“The communication, for sure, is very important. There was kind of a strategy in my head before starting the race, really just settle in, take the DRS, manage the tyres, and try and make something happen in the last few laps,” explained Bennett.
“I’ve got quite a strong relationship with my engineer, Leo. Throughout the whole race, he was really just keeping me motivated, reminding me to just stay on DRS, wait till the end of the race, be patient, keep the tyres under control. That’s exactly what I did. He just made sure I kept it in the right place, I always knew the gaps, and then I attacked when I wanted to.”
FIA Formula 2 returns to Silverstone from 3 July 2026 – 5 July 2026.
Featured Image Credits: Dutch Photography Agency