F2 veterans racing against time are those who have competed in Formula 2 for over three years, confronting challenges and motivations as they seek, but have yet to find, a clear step up to the next level into Formula 1.
The Landscape of the 2025 F2 Grid
As the 2025 FIA Formula 2 season moves into its summer phase, the championship is defined by a fascinating blend of long-standing veterans and ambitious rookies. While fresh talent always grabs headlines, it is the drivers who have spent three or more seasons in the series who truly shape the character and competitiveness of Formula 2. Their continued presence offers a unique perspective on the challenges of climbing the motorsport ladder and the realities of pursuing a career in open-wheel racing.
Richard Verschoor: The Undisputed Veteran
Among the current grid, a select group stands out for their remarkable longevity and experience. Richard Verschoor is the undisputed veteran, now in his fifth season of Formula 2. His tenure is a testament to resilience and adaptability, making him one of the most experienced drivers in the history of the championship. Verschoor’s record of race starts and podium finishes speaks to his ability to extract the maximum from every opportunity. He has started over 120 races, with 6 wins and 17 podium finishes to his name, making him one of the most statistically accomplished drivers in F2 history.
Amaury Cordeel: The Dependable Team Player
Amaury Cordeel is another driver with significant experience, now in his fourth season. While not always among the frontrunners, Cordeel’s consistent presence on the grid is invaluable to his team, providing technical feedback and helping to nurture younger teammates. His long-term commitment highlights the importance of dependable, experienced figures within the series.
Victor Martins & Kush Maini: Mentors and Midfield Pillars
Victor Martins and Kush Maini are both in their third full F2 seasons. Martins, driving for ART Grand Prix, has established himself as a benchmark for professionalism and consistency. Maini, now with DAMS after previous stints at Campos Racing and Invicta Racing, brings racecraft and technical insight to his new team. Both are respected for their ability to mentor rookies and support their teams’ development.
It is worth noting that Maini’s step up to F2 came after a relatively low-key Formula 3 campaign, and expectations were modest. However, he immediately exceeded predictions with a strong rookie season, scoring podiums and regularly challenging at the front. Since then, Maini has struggled to recapture that same level of performance, facing difficulties in adapting to new teams and car setups, but his initial impact remains a testament to his talent.
Roman Staněk: The Reliable Benchmark
Roman Staněk, now in his third F2 season, is another veteran presence. His steady development and adaptability have made him a reliable benchmark for both teams and rookies, and his experience is increasingly valued on the grid.
The Decision to Stay: More Than a Waiting Game
For these veterans, remaining in Formula 2 is not just about waiting for an F1 opportunity. It reflects a commitment to their craft, a desire to mentor the next generation, and an ongoing ambition to secure a reserve or test driver role in Formula 1, or to win the F2 championship outright.
The decision to remain in Formula 2 for multiple seasons is far more complex than simply waiting for a Formula 1 seat. For many drivers, the series offers a unique environment where they can continue to race at a high level, develop their skills, and maintain their visibility within the motorsport world. However, the path is fraught with challenges that go beyond pure performance on track.
This path has been trodden by previous F2 stalwarts such as Felipe Drugovich, who spent three seasons in the series before finally clinching the championship, and Ralph Boschung, whose lengthy F2 career was marked by persistence and adaptability.
Financial Pressures and Sponsorship Struggles
One of the most significant hurdles is the financial pressure. Unlike Formula 1, where drivers receive a salary, most F2 competitors must bring substantial sponsorship or personal funding to secure a seat. This economic reality means that drivers who lack the backing of a major academy or wealthy sponsors often struggle to move up, regardless of their talent. Even for those with support, the cost of competing in F2 is prohibitive, and many drivers must make the difficult choice between continuing to chase their dreams and stepping away from the sport.
Ralph Boschung is a prime example of a driver who managed to remain in F2 through creative deal-making and securing last-minute sponsorship, such as his well-publicized effort to secure funding for the round held in Monaco and beyond, keeping his seat against the odds.
Sponsorship is a constant battle. With only a handful of seats available in Formula 1 each year, the competition for attention from sponsors is fierce. Drivers must not only perform on track but also cultivate a marketable image, engage with fans, and demonstrate value to potential backers. For veterans, this means balancing the demands of racing with the need to maintain and grow their brands, often in a landscape where younger, fresher faces are constantly emerging.
Limited Opportunities and Political Realities
The openness of the Formula 1 grid is another major factor. With just 20 seats available, and many of those occupied by long-serving drivers, the opportunities for promotion are extremely limited. The recent trend of increased longevity among F1 drivers, combined with the preference for experienced hands during periods of technical regulation changes, has made it even harder for F2 graduates to break through. Political dynamics within teams and management changes can also play a decisive role, with drivers sometimes side-lined or overlooked due to internal power struggles or shifting priorities.
Looking ahead, the arrival of Cadillac as a new F1 entrant in 2026 is unlikely to provide immediate opportunities for F2 rookies, as the team is expected to prioritize experienced drivers over outright rookies for its inaugural season. But this could yet favour some of these Formula 2 veterans, if not by giving them a seat on the grid, the by providing them with a test and reserve driver role.
Varied Motivations for Staying
Despite these challenges, many veterans choose to stay because Formula 2 remains one of the highest levels of open-wheel racing outside of Formula 1. The series provides a global platform, with races at iconic circuits and exposure to millions of fans worldwide. For those who may never reach F1, F2 can be a destination in itself, a place to compete, to prove oneself, and to keep the dream alive. Many drivers use their time in F2 to position themselves for opportunities in other top-tier series such as IndyCar, Formula E, or endurance racing, where their experience and profile can open new doors.
For example, Christian Lundgaard and Callum Ilott have both found success in IndyCar after their F2 careers, while Théo Pourchaire has transitioned to Super Formula and endurance racing, demonstrating the diverse opportunities available to F2 veterans.
Ultimately, the motivation for staying in Formula 2 is as varied as the drivers themselves. Some are chasing the elusive championship, while others are focused on securing a foothold in the Formula 1 paddock through testing or reserve roles. For many, the simple love of racing and the desire to compete at the highest level possible are enough to keep them coming back, year after year.
The Rookie Challenge
The 2025 grid also features a fresh wave of rookies, eager to make their mark and follow in the footsteps of those who have recently graduated to Formula 1. Names like Arvid Lindblad, Sebastian Montoya and Alex Dunne are generating excitement and raising expectations for the future of the series.
These young drivers face a steep learning curve, adapting to new cars, circuits, and the pressure of competing with experienced veterans. The presence of seasoned campaigners like Verschoor, Cordeel, Martins, Maini, and Staněk provides rookies with valuable benchmarks and mentors, helping them navigate the complexities of Formula 2.
The Leap to Formula 1
The 2025 season is notable for the number of Formula 2 graduates who have secured full-time Formula 1 seats. Gabriel Bortoleto, who spent just a single season in Formula 2 before claiming the 2024 championship, has earned a seat at Sauber for 2025. Isack Hadjar completed two full seasons in Formula 2, demonstrating consistent results and adaptability, before securing a drive at Racing Bulls. Oliver Bearman was in his second full season of Formula 2 when he received his call-up for Haas, following an impressive stand-in performance in 2024 and a strong showing throughout his time in the series. Kimi Antonelli leaped into Formula 1 after only one year in Formula 2, thanks to his rapid rise and standout performances on the simulator, according to Mercedes.
While these drivers have achieved the ultimate goal, the majority of F2 veterans remain in the series, continuing to chase their Formula 1 dreams. Their presence serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities within the feeder series and the importance of perseverance in the face of intense competition.
The Dynamic Between Veterans and Rookies
The interplay between veterans and rookies is what makes Formula 2 such a compelling championship. Veterans provide stability, experience, and a benchmark for the newcomers, while rookies bring fresh energy, new ideas, and the promise of future stardom. This dynamic creates an environment where both groups are essential for the development of the series and its drivers.
Formula 2’s unique blend of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers is not just beneficial for the championship itself, it’s a crucial asset for Formula 1 teams seeking new talent. Veterans who have spent multiple years in F2 have demonstrated adaptability, technical feedback skills, and the ability to work closely with engineers to develop a car over a season. Their experience in tire management, race strategy, and coping with pressure mirrors many of the demands found in Formula 1. For F1 teams, recruiting drivers with this background means adding individuals who are not only fast but also mature, resilient, and capable of accelerating a team’s development. Moreover, veterans often play a vital role in mentoring younger teammates, helping to raise the overall standard of a team’s driver line-up. In a sport where the margins are razor-thin, the value of such experience and leadership cannot be overstated.
For the veterans, the challenge is to continue performing at a high level, to mentor the next generation, and to keep their Formula 1 dreams alive. For the rookies, the goal is to learn quickly, impress the right people, and secure their shot at the pinnacle of motorsport. Together, they ensure that Formula 2 remains a vital stepping stone on the road to Formula 1.
Featured image credit: PREMA Content Pool
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