Gomez’s Dominant Weekend in Aragon
Gabriel Gomez continued his remarkable streak in the 2025 Formula Winter Series, extending his championship lead with podium finishes in all three races at the Aragon circuit last weekend. Driving for US Racing, the Brazilian is now 67 points ahead of his closest rival, Fionn McLaughlin, with only one race weekend left in Barcelona. The 75 points on offer in the final event mean that Gomez is in a strong position to secure the title, but the competition remains fierce.
Saturday’s First Race: Clean Start and Early Chaos
On Saturday, the first of three 30-minute races began with Gomez starting from pole position, closely followed by his US Racing team-mate, Kabir Anurag. The Brazilian made a clean start, pulling away from the field, while Anurag settled into second. However, the opening lap was marked by chaos and collisions further down the grid. Hitech’s Leo Robinson, starting seventh, made contact with McLaughlin at Turn 1, damaging his front wing. Four corners later, Jenzer’s Bart Harrison clipped the rear-left tyre of Maxim Rehm, who was attempting to overtake Harrison for third place. Despite the early mayhem, the race soon settled, and on the second lap, Anurag made a clean overtake at Turn 1, taking the lead from Gomez. The Brazilian tried to reclaim the top spot, but Anurag quickly established a gap and held off his team-mate to secure victory. McLaughlin completed the podium, underlining his own title aspirations.
Sunday’s Second Race: Rain and Intense Battles
Sunday brought different conditions, with overnight rain leaving the track surface greasy. Once again, Gomez and Anurag lined up on the front row, but this time Maxim Rehm got the best start from third, taking the lead at Turn 1 with Anurag in second. The race quickly turned into a fierce battle between Rehm and Anurag for the lead, with Anurag finally making a decisive move stick on the second lap. However, their skirmish allowed Gomez and McLaughlin to close in. McLaughlin, demonstrating his skill in the wet conditions, quickly overtook Gomez and Rehm, with the two US Racing drivers swapping positions in the process. As the race wore on, McLaughlin gradually chipped away at Anurag’s 2.7-second lead. With 10 minutes left, McLaughlin capitalized on a strategic move, overtaking Anurag at Turn 15 to take the lead. Despite a late safety car period that reset the field, McLaughlin managed to hold on to his position, clinching his second victory of the season. Anurag and Gomez joined him on the podium, maintaining their strong showings.
Third Race: Wet Tyre Strategy and Unexpected Twists
The third race on Sunday saw rain fall just moments before the formation lap, adding another layer of complexity to the proceedings. Anurag and Thomas Bearman, starting from the front row, got off the line slowly, allowing Rehm and McLaughlin to surge to the front. However, Anurag’s aggressive driving at Turn 1 sent him wide, enabling McLaughlin to claim the lead. The two drivers continued to swap positions in the early corners, with the wet tyre proving to be the optimal choice. Simon Schranz, starting from 20th, made a spectacular move on the first lap with the wet rubber, climbing to sixth. He then took the lead on the following lap but spun at Turn 1 on lap three, dropping back to fifth. Harrison, also on wet tyres, moved into second position. As the track began to dry, several drivers made the switch to wet tyres, but McLaughlin, who remained on slicks, began to reduce his deficit. With six minutes left, McLaughlin overtook Harrison at Turn 7 to take the lead and secure another victory. Rehm and Gomez followed suit, overtaking Harrison and Schranz to join McLaughlin on the podium.
Gomez’s Strategy and Resilience
Gabriel Gomez’s performance over the weekend showcased not only his raw talent but also his strategic acumen and resilience. Starting from pole and maintaining a consistent presence on the podium, Gomez demonstrated the ability to adapt to varying track conditions. His clean starts and strong overtaking maneuvers, especially in the second and third races, underlined his competitive edge. Despite the challenges posed by the wet and drying track, Gomez remained focused and composed, making crucial decisions that kept him at the forefront of the championship standings. His team’s support, particularly from Anurag, played a significant role in his success, as they often worked in tandem to secure valuable points.
McLaughlin’s Title Challenge
Fionn McLaughlin’s impressive weekend in Aragon also highlighted his title ambitions. The Irish driver, driving for Hitech, displayed exceptional skill in wet conditions, particularly in the second and third races. His ability to make clean overtakes and capitalize on others’ mistakes, such as the Rehm-Anurag battle in the second race and Harrison’s struggles in the third, showcased his racecraft. McLaughlin’s victories in the second and third races have kept him within striking distance of Gomez, setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown in Barcelona. With 75 points up for grabs, McLaughlin will need to push hard and possibly rely on some strategic gambles to close the gap and challenge for the title.
Looking Forward to Barcelona
The Formula Winter Series now heads to Barcelona for the final race weekend on March 6-9, where the championship hangs in the balance. Gomez, with a 67-point lead, is in a commanding position to clinch the title. However, McLaughlin’s recent performances and the unpredictable nature of racing, especially with varying weather conditions, mean that anything is possible. Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, known for its challenging layout and diverse sections, will test the drivers’ skills and strategies to the limit. The tension and excitement are building as both drivers prepare for what could be a defining moment in their careers. Fans and observers are eagerly anticipating the final races, which promise to deliver intense battles and dramatic turns of events.
