A Landmark Year for Formula 2
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Formula 2 championship, which began under the GP2 mantle. But there’s an even more significant reason why this season stands out: four drivers are set to graduate directly to Formula 1, a phenomenon that hasn’t occurred since 2010 when the F1 grid expanded to 24 cars. This unusual turnout in normal circumstances has added an extra layer of excitement and pressure to the F2 grid, where a mix of nine returnees and 13 rookies will vie for the top spot and, potentially, an F1 seat in 2026. With the new technical rules and engine formula on the horizon, experience will be a valuable asset, making this season a pivotal one for the young drivers.
The Fresh Faces of F2
Among the 13 debutants, only four are true rookies: Arvid Lindblad, Sebastian Montoya, Alex Dunne, and Sami Meguetounif. The other nine made their F2 debuts in the latter rounds of the 2024 season, giving them a crucial edge as they enter the 2025 campaign. One of the standout rookies is Victor Martins, a 23-year-old Frenchman who has already made a name for himself with his Formula 3 championship and a tight title fight with Oscar Piastri in the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup. Despite a disappointing 2023 season marred by bad luck and driving errors, leading to his exit from the Renault academy, Martins is back with a vengeance. "I have no problem for people to put me as the favourite," he stated. "I feel this year is going to be different. I know I’m working with the best engineers in Formula 2 and they will give me the best car."
Rising Stars: Jak Crawford and Arvid Lindblad
Another driver to watch is Jak Crawford, a former Red Bull junior now part of the Aston Martin programme. Crawford, a 19-year-old American, is the highest returning driver from 2024 and will continue his third campaign with DAMS. His consistency and performance in the latter part of last season suggest he is a strong contender for the title. Arvid Lindblad, Red Bull’s next big hope, won the Formula Regional Oceania title in New Zealand last month, securing the 40 points required for a superlicence. Although he is too young to actually be awarded the licence yet, he is the main contender for an F1 seat next year if Yuki Tsunoda or Isack Hadjar fall short. Lindblad’s debut with Campos will be closely watched, and he is known to be under high expectations, but he remains grounded. "Red Bull has not given me a specific goal for 2025, but the expectation is quite high," he said.
The Prema Squad and the Hitech Duo
The Prema squad, which had a somewhat surprising 2024 season, is not to be discounted. Alpine junior Gabriele Mini, F3’s runner-up in 2024, and Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of Juan Pablo Montoya, will be key players. Mini is optimistic about the team’s progress: "Looking at testing a few days ago, I think they understood many things, and it looks like a positive one." Hitech, another strong contender, will field Dino Beganovic and Luke Browning. Beganovic, a 21-year-old Swede, and Browning, a 23-year-old Williams junior, both have solid F3 backgrounds. "We want to win both titles, and I think that’s clear from Paul’s performance last year, and from having a driver line-up strongness," Browning said. "Experience counts a lot," Beganovic added, pointing to Gabriel Bortoleto’s rapid rise as a prime example.
The Unexpected Contender: Leonardo Fornaroli
Leonardo Fornaroli, a 20-year-old Italian, is another driver to watch. He took the F3 title last year in a consistent but winless campaign and will now attempt to replicate Bortoleto’s feat with the same Invicta outfit. Fornaroli is keeping his expectations in check: "The main thing for this season, for me, is to concentrate on myself, not to repeat the mistakes of last year, and always be consistent." Bortoleto’s meteoric rise from relative obscurity in F4 and Formula Regional to F3 and F2, culminating in an F1 seat with Sauber (the future Audi F1 team), serves as a beacon of hope for many young drivers. Fornaroli, with his strong foundation and cautious approach, has the potential to follow in Bortoleto’s footsteps.
The Unpredictable Nature of F2
In Formula 2, the unexpected is the norm. Just 12 months ago, rookie Gabriel Bortoleto took pole in his maiden F2 qualifying session, setting the stage for his rapid ascent to an F1 seat. This season is no different, with a grid full of talented drivers vying for the top spot. The mix of experience and raw talent, combined with the high stakes of F1 aspirations, makes the 2025 Formula 2 championship one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. As the season unfolds, one thing is certain: the path to F1 is paved with challenges, and only the most determined and skilled drivers will emerge victorious.
