Formula 2 has once again brought us their outstanding and nail biting fly-on-the-wall documentary, ‘Chasing the dream’.
Episode 1
The series begins with the drivers introducing themselves, then straight into expressing their ultimate dream of becoming Formula 1 World Champion.
It’s an immediate hook if you’re a newbie, and sets the stall out fittingly if already a fan.
Jack Aitken, kicks the series off by taking us back to the beginning of the COVID pandemic and how it affected his Campos team.
Formula 2 CEO, Bruno Michel, illuminated official proceedings and how the pre-season schedule was affected. He explained how some drivers remained occupied with the official Formula 2 sim racing tournament; A welcome substitute while fans across the globe waited to see if racing would get under way.
Guanyu Zhou had fun competing and winning Race 1 against his peers and ex Formula 1 drivers, Johnny Herbert and Nico Hülkenberg, among others.
Also in the episode, Marcus Armstrong and Callum Ilott invited us into their home at Marinello. Armstrong talked about leaving New Zealand for his motorsport career.
Conclusively, the first race of the season commenced in Austria.
Episode 2
Focussing on academy drivers, and in contrast those who don’t have that level of support was insightful. More so when non-academy driver, Felipe Drugivich, qualified in P2 for the first race of the season; beginning the Sprint Race on reverse-grid pole, and dominating to take the win.
Trevor Carlin talked about the deciding factor on signing Yuki Tsunoda and his confident logic behind his two drivers being chosen for AlphaTauri – Frankly speaking about the Red Bull Programme expectations for drivers to reach Formula 1.
Round 2 of the season began with rain affecting proceedings. Bruno Michel and Marco Codello (Formula 2 Director of Operations) discussed the possible cancellation.
Nikita Mazepin gave an honest view of his doubts and fears during bad weather conditions. Callum Ilott shared the sentiments:
“… you can send yourself into a spiral thinking about things.”
The drivers admitted to their fears in a fun Q&A. Amusingly, Jehan Daruvala’s dread is, “snakes”.
Robert Shwartzman’s comments led into how the loss of his father, Mikhail, in 2020, changed the fears he once had.
The Russian put together a masterclass in the slippery, challenging conditions of Styria, to take his maiden Formula 2 win, dedicating it to his dad.
During races like this, it becomes clear to see who has a natural aptitude for being a rain-master. It appears Christian Lundgaard has that natural ability too.
Trevor Carlin described this season as, ‘the year of the rookie’ and this episode showed his prophecy was already unfolding.
Episode 3
Hungary, and yet another win for rookie, Shwartzman.
His third impressive race in a row saw him start in P11 to become the race winner.
Mazepin revealed his overtaking skills by starting 16th and finishing second – Formula 2 once again delivering on the,’anything can happen, and probably will’ front .
Hitech Team Principal, Oliver Oakes described how unbelievable the race win was after only starting the team in the January.
Mick Schumacher revealed a buoyant side following his podium place.
A Sprint Race home win at Silverstone saw Dan Tickum enjoying the British sunshine in a cold tub.
UNI-Virtuosi team owners, Andy Roche and Paul Devlin, openly talked about the team’s biggest bump in the road being Covid, describing it as, “the toughest year so far.”
Ilott reverently opened up about Anthoine Hubert’s accident at Spa, and how he has used it as much as possible in a positive way.
Episode 4
A poignant and emotional return to Spa for Formula 2.
Beginning with echoes of 2019’s television footage of Anthoine Hubert‘s accident, the episode was respectfully tender.
Jan Manuel Correa explained how when he was driving to the circuit for his return, he, “started to get chills”.
Alexa Quintin (Formula 2 Head of Media and Communications), placed Anthoine’s helmet on a podium for the pre-race tribute, and observed how compassionately courageous the human spirit can be:
“Despite their challenges and grief their passion to fulfil their dreams never fades.”
The tributes for Anthoine were in abundance. Shwartzman expressed how he imagined his ‘papa’ and Anthoine sitting happily together on a sofa “up there” watching the race.
Images of JM in his wheelchair at Anthoine’s track memorial, expressed how he feels like he’s representing Anthoine, in following both of their dreams.
“Anthoine is still here, that’s all I can say.” – Bruno Michel.
#AH19
Episode 5
Formula 2 race broadcasters, Alex Jacques and Alex Brundle, focus on racing fathers and discuss how emotional the season is, with teammates Mick Schumacher and Robert Shwartzman dealing with their respective father’s situations.
Christian Lundgaard, Kevin Magnussen, Giuliano Alesi, Pedro Piquet, Carlos Sainz Jr, and Louis Delétraz heartwarmingly contribute.
During Round 8 at Monza, Mick was given an opportunity to drive his father, Michael’s F2004. It was both an exhilarating and poignant moment shared by motorsport fans world-wide.
“To be the second generation to drive it is very special.” – Mick Schumacher
#KeepFighting
Episode 6
A two-month break saw a much anticipated title decider during the final two rounds in Bahrain.
The focus was on René Rosin and PREMA and them becoming the team champions.
Schumacher: “They are working hard to make the dream come true for a lot of drivers.”
Saturday’s Feature Race saw Schumacher stamp his authority, impressively climbing up the field, and receiving a standing ovation in acknowledgement of a driving masterclass.
The Sprint Race highlighted how dangerous Formula 2 can be, yet promoted the sport’s remarkable safety accomplishments, as Aitken and Ghiotto spectacularly left the track.
Tsunoda exhibited why he’s heading into Formula 1 in 2021, and we were treated to a reminder of Jack Aitken’s Grand Prix debut in the Williams.
In this concluding episode, an action packed final race saw Mick Schumacher, crowned the 2020 Champion.
Season 2 of ‘Chasing the Dream’ highlights Formula 2’s drama, fun, and heartbreaks, topped with an authentic sense of family.
You can watch both seasons on F1TV.
*Image credit: Formula Motorsport Limited
