Arvid Lindblad leads Campos 1-2 at the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Saudi Arabia Sprint Race after a penalty for leader, Richard Verschoor dropped him down to fourth once he crossed the line.
The race commenced under clear skies, with all drivers opting for medium compound tyres and no need for mandatory pit stops.
The 20-lap Sprint Race was marked by intense battles, strategic overtakes, and pivotal incidents that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This setup promised uninterrupted action, and the drivers did not disappoint. Ollie Bearman, now a driver for the Formula 1 Haas team, watched alongside his former team, Prema Racing.
Early Incidents and Position Shuffles
At lights out, MP Motorsport’s Verschoor took an early lead from reverse grid pole, followed closely by Campos Racing’s Pepe MartÃ. However, the race’s momentum was briefly halted when AIX Racing’s Cian Shields spun out, leading to a yellow flag and his subsequent retirement from the race.
An incident involving Rafael Villagómez and Shields was noted by the stewards, though no immediate action was taken.
As the race resumed, Campos Racing’s Lindblad showcased his overtaking skills, moving from sixth to fourth position in the first lap. A brief Virtual Safety Car period ensued on Lap 2, but racing quickly resumed on Lap 3.
Lindblad continued his ascent, engaging in a fierce battle with Prema’s Gabriele Minì for third place. Despite being forced off track, Lindblad managed to secure the position, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Mid-Race Dynamics
By Lap 5, Martà executed a bold move on the outside to claim the lead from Verschoor. However, Verschoor retaliated, reclaiming the top spot.
Lindblad capitalised on the ensuing tussle, overtaking Martà to secure second place by Lap 7. Meanwhile, ART’s Victor Martins and Minì engaged in their own battle for seventh position, adding to the race’s excitement.
The race’s intensity peaked on Lap 12, with all drivers from first to twelfth within DRS range, leading to a series of overtakes and position changes. DAMS’ Jak Crawford made significant strides, climbing to seventh position by Lap 15.
However, an ambitious overtaking attempt on Minì resulted in a spin, bringing out the Safety Car and allowing teams the opportunity to pit for fresh tyres.
Final Laps and Victory
As the Safety Car period concluded on Lap 18, the field prepared for a sprint to the finish. Verschoor, despite leading, was handed a five-second penalty for forcing another driver off track earlier in the race.
This penalty proved decisive, as Lindblad, maintaining a close gap, inherited the lead upon the race’s conclusion. Martà and Alex Dunne completed the podium, marking Campos Racing’s first ever 1-2 finish in Formula 2.
Lindblad’s victory in Saudi Arabia not only etched his name in the record books as the youngest F2 winner but also underscored Campos’ rising prominence in the championship. The team’s strategic play and the drivers’ skill were on full display, setting a promising tone for the remainder of the season.
Image: Formula Motorsport Limited
