The F2 2025 Spanish GP began today and also marked the final F2 Qualifying of May’s triple header. It saw rookie Arvid Lindblad take his first Pole position, followed by Sebastian Montoya and Kush Maini.
Lindblad’s First Pole
Lindblad secured his first Pole position in his Formula 2 career, making the rookie the second youngest polesitter in the series after Theo Pourchaire.
“It feels really good. I feel like […] it’s been a long time coming. I feel like we’ve been right in the game but it’s kind of slipped away in the last moment so […] very happy to finally get it and home for the team as well.”
Also topping the timings in this morning’s practice session, Lindblad’s confidence at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been unwavering all weekend.
“FP […] gave me a lot of confidence. We had a good package […] from the first lap, the pace was good. I felt comfortable from the beginning,” admitted the British driver.
“I knew that […] the car was good going into quali, it was just about me […] doing the job and yeah, very happy with how it was.”
Lining up in Pole for Sunday’s Feature Race, and tenth for Saturday’s Sprint Race, the drivers will find overtaking a little easier than last weekend’s challenge in Monaco.
Race Expectations
However, with additional factors included higher temperatures and levels of tyre degradation, the drivers will have to navigate a different set of challenges.
“I think the race will be very different; I think it’s known here that it’s a very high degradation circuit. Things can still be very different in the race but definitely it’s a good sign that the pace is strong.”
With his first Pole position and Sprint Race win in the series ticked off, Arvid will be hoping to complete the trio with his first Feature Race win on Sunday.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think we’re in a good position. We know the car is good and I feel quite comfortable and at home on this circuit. I went well here last year. I’m looking forward to Sunday and hopefully we can have a good result.”
Montoya Finds His Groove
Sebastian Montoya takes his second P2 in a row, lining up behind Arvid Lindblad.
“I’m really content. The team did an amazing job, especially to give me the opportunity to do the lap I did. They made a good step between both runs and to be in the front row again is really nice,” reflected Montoya.
“Arvid was quick from the first lap and an FP […] on the other hand, we were struggling a little bit more with the car.”
The Colombian driver noted that the “temperatures” being “so hot” across the weekend affect the tyre sensitivity, making it significantly harder to put a lap together in Qualifying.
“We were just missing that last little bit to be able to improve. The third sector and second sector were quite close, but then in the last sector, he [Arvid] just nicked us […] we were just missing that last little bit in the last sector.”
After a challenging start to his rookie season, Montoya is seemingly finding his feet.
“I’d say a lot behind the scenes has changed and the mentality […] that I’ve […] used to approach the season,” admitted Montoya.
“I knew qualifying wasn’t my strongest point. Just working bit by bit on the same thing with the team, I understand the mentality that I needed to have for that one-lap approach. It’s been really nice, especially getting the confidence again to be able to push the car the way I want to push it.”
It was also announced this week that Montoya has joined Fernando Alonso’s ‘A14 Management’, with the Colombian explaining that he is “fortunate to have him me […] I must be doing something right.”
Maini’s Newfound Confidence
Maini secures his best result of the season so far in a Qualifying session, lining up in third position on Sunday’s grid.
“I’m definitely pleased, It’s been a tough start to the season,” admitted Maini.
“I would say quali was normally my strongest points in the last two seasons and switching teams, it’s been difficult, more difficult to get up to speed. The last two rounds, I felt strong, I made a few mistakes but […] it’s together. I knew we had the pace and it’s been really nice working with the team.”
In his third season, Maini made the switch from Invicta Racing to DAMS Lucas Oil, where he now partners Jak Crawford.
After a difficult start to the season, the team have made a significant step during May’s triple header, including a Feature Race win for Crawford last weekend in Monaco.
“I feel like we’re back to where we should be. Obviously, we’re a bit far back points wise, but results like these are going to help put us in a good position,” said Maini.
“I’ve changed teams every year I’ve been in F2 and every team has a different philosophy, a different way so learning that has taken a bit of time.“
Barcelona’s Future
With the new ‘Madring’ set to be host of the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026, there is talk this weekend regarding Barcelona’s future.
Contracted to hold one more race at the circuit next year, it is unlikely given the packed schedule that both Spanish cities with stage grands prix going forward.
“It’s a bit of a shame. I mean, it’s a track that we go to a lot,” said Lindblad.
“Obviously, preseason testing is done here and it’s a big hub for motorsport in Europe so yeah, it’s a shame to see it go.”
FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 pre-season testing is held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with many drivers becoming very familiar with it throughout their time in the junior categories.
“It’s a track we test at a lot, I enjoy it quite a lot, since they put the last two corners at high speed again,” said Montoya.
“Obviously, being a Spanish talking race, it’s always quite nice when I come here, and I have the support from the fans. There’s a lot of Colombians here, I saw a lot of Colombian flags today, so that’s really nice.”
“Obviously, there is a lot of history at this track. It’s been around for a while, so it’s definitely sad to see it leave,” added Maini. “But in the end, a new challenge, so looking forward to that.”
Featured Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
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