The 2024 Formula 2 season was one for the history books, showcasing thrilling races, fierce rivalries, and a champion who made history in his rookie year. With dramatic turnarounds, strategic battles, and unforgettable podiums, here’s a look at the season’s highlights, race-by-race.
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Round 1: Sakhir
Invicta Racing made a strong statement early on with Kush Maini securing pole, but a technical infringement saw him excluded from qualifying results. Zane Maloney took advantage of a reverse-grid starting position in the Sprint Race, sweeping the weekend with a fantastic drive from eighth to first, earning his first-ever F2 victory. On Sunday, Maloney took another win, followed by rookies Pepe Martí and Paul Aron, who filled out the podium.
Round 2: Jeddah
After Oliver Bearman vacated pole for F1 duties, Maini inherited the spot, but it was Dennis Hauger who claimed his first win of the season in a chaotic Sprint Race. In the Feature, Enzo Fittipaldi delivered a stellar drive to claim victory for Van Amersfoort Racing. Maloney, though, had a remarkable start to the season, securing his first victory in Sakhir, followed by solid podiums in Jeddah.
Round 3: Melbourne
Hauger started the race weekend in style, claiming pole at Albert Park, but Isack Hadjar had an electric race, taking his first-ever F2 victory. With Bortoleto and Hadjar both contending for the top spot, the weekend was filled with high drama. Hadjar’s calculated pit stop strategy was significant to help clench his victory. Finishing out the podium Aron and Maloney returned to the high steps if the track.
Round 4: Imola
Bortoleto secured pole at Imola, but the Sprint Race was a thrilling contest between Amaury Cordeel and rookie Franco Colapinto. The Argentinean managed to secure his maiden F2 win after a last-lap pass. The Feature Race saw Hadjar rise to the top once again, holding off Bortoleto in a tense battle, which would ultimately foreshadow the championship battle. With Maloney still leading the points, the season was beginning to shape up with a tight championship race.
Round 5: Monte-Carlo
Verschoor won the battle of the pole at Monaco but had a challenging weekend, with a DNF in the feature race on Sunday, raining on what should have been a spectacular weekend for the Dutchman. In the Sprint Race, Taylor Barnard claimed his first-ever F2 victory, and Zak O’Sullivan took advantage of a brilliant strategy in the Feature Race, earning his first Monaco win and denying Hadjar of a likely victory. Maloney’s struggles meant the title leadership would be handed over to Paul Aron. Once again promising a very intense championship battle.
Round 6: Barcelona
In Barcelona, Aron took pole, but it was Martins who surged to the front, claiming his first victory of the season. The Feature Race saw Crawford dominate, but a strategic pit stop from Colapinto helped him secure second. A historic podium for Juan Manuel Correa marked a milestone in his return to the championship after a long hiatus. Elsewhere, Estonia’s Paul Aron managed to keep up an impressive 6 race long podium streak, proving himself to may as a great up and coming talent.
Round 7: Spielberg
At the Red Bull Ring, Hauger claimed pole, but it was Ollie Bearman who stole the show in the Sprint, earning his first win of a difficult season for the Brit. The Feature Race was a dominant performance from Gabriel Bortoleto, who secured his first victory of 2024, solidifying his position in the title hunt.
Round 8: Silverstone
Hadjar returned to pole in Silverstone but could not convert it into a Feature Race victory. Instead, it was Victor Martins who earned his first win of the season, while Hadjar came through to secure another podium, reinforcing his place at the top of the standings. The drama continued to unfold, with Aron’s struggle in the championship.
Round 9: Budapest
In Hungary, Aron took pole once again, but it was Antonelli who snatched the Feature Race victory after a strategic pit stop. Aron’s weekend came to a frustrating end after contact with Maloney, while Antonelli’s triumph marked his second win of the season, further shifting the championship dynamics.
Round 10: Spa-Francorchamps
In a rain-soaked weekend, Zak O’Sullivan claimed another Sprint win, and Hadjar took a crucial victory in the Feature Race, further solidifying his place as a championship contender. The podium was an important one for the top title contenders, with Hadjar claiming a vital win and extending his lead in the standings.
Round 11: Monza
Zane Maloney’s pole position marked a strong return for the Barbadian driver, but it was Bortoleto who staged an incredible comeback from 22nd on the grid to secure an emotional win, transforming the title fight heading into the final rounds.
Round 12: Baku
A weekend with a range of new drivers saw Richard Verschoor signing off from Trident with a commanding win in the Feature Race. But it was the Boy from Brazil who dominated the title conversation. Bortoleto’s consistency secured him the championship lead as he moved past Hadjar after two points-scoring finishes, leaving the battle wide open for the final rounds.
Round 13: Lusail
As the championship battle entered its final stretch, the title contenders – Bortoleto, Hadjar, and Aron – battled it out in a tense Lusail weekend. Bortoleto gained the upper hand, maintaining his lead in the championship. The final battle was set for Abu Dhabi, and it was clear that Bortoleto’s drive and consistency had put him in the box seat for the title. Here we saw the consistency and effort Aron made to get his rookie win in Formula 2.
Final Round & Conclusion
We finish the final race of the season by Victor Martins getting his last pole,Marti taking the sprint race win & the talented Durksen achieving another win for hie career by winning the Feature Race.
In an unforgettable season that saw multiple drivers break through for their first wins, it was Gabriel Bortoleto who triumphed. As a rookie, he managed to take back-to-back titles in F3 and F2, joining an elite club in motorsport history. His determination, adaptability, and strategic approach made him the deserving 2024 F2 Champion.
It was a season full of drama, from rookies making their mark to established drivers stepping up, and we witnessed several departures as drivers earned their spots in Formula 1. With a season of history made and unforgettable moments, 2024 was a year to remember in Formula 2.
Feature Image Credit: Formula Motorsport Limited
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