Antonelli Recovers to Points Despite F2 Sprint Race Difficulties

PREMA’s sole representative in the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race in Saudi Arabia on Friday scored points despite a difficult race.

F2 rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished seventh in Jeddah after losing seven positions at the start AND damaging his front wing.

But Antonelli made up four positions in the final seven laps to finish in the point-scoring places.

The 17-year-old Italian is PREMA’s only driver this weekend after team mate Oliver Bearman was called up to the Ferrari Formula 1 team to deputise for two-time race winner Carlos Sainz, who has appendicitis.

Trident driver Richard Verschoor went on to win the Sprint Race, taking 10 championship points.

"YES BOYS!"
It was a superb display from @R_Verschoor1 as he claimed victory in the Jeddah Sprint! #SaudiArabianGP #F2 pic.twitter.com/45XbSKNyUG
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) March 8, 2024

Antonelli frustrated with compromised race

Despite his recovery, Antonelli said the Sprint Race was ‘disappointing’.

“I had a problem with the clutch at the start, and when I released it, the car went into anti-stall.,” the teenager said.

He then picked up damage to his car at the first corner, making contact with the DAMS Lucas Oil car of Jak Crawford, as he battled to avoid losing further positions.

In a race that was twice interrupted by the Safety Car, as well as a short Virtual Safety Car, Antonelli made progress and displayed his ability racing wheel-to-wheel.

His first victim was Trident’s Roman Stanek, before Campos driver Pepe Martí was next to be overtaken by the Italian.

Invicta’s Kush Maini was next, before a slowing Isack Hadjar handed Antonelli a further position.

Bravo Kimi ? P7 now!#F2 #SaudiArabiaGP
— PREMA (@PREMA_Team) March 8, 2024

The eventual seventh place finish is Antonelli’s best at F2 level after three races, handing him another two-points, bringing his total to three.

“The race was pretty much compromised despite the pace being quite ok.

“It’s a pity because we could have fought for a better position, but we still have tomorrow to bounce back.”

SPRINTING TO THE POINTS! ? #SaudiArabianGP #F2 pic.twitter.com/kOF6AZ7LDv
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) March 8, 2024

Image: PREMA Racing

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