The opening FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race in Melbourne, Australia, was especially eventful. Four drivers did not finish the race, and there were constant battles for podium finishes. Let’s see how the season and race unfolds with 10 rookies and 12 returning drivers.

Race Start

Leonardo Fornaroli and Joshua Dürksen started in the front row for the first race of the Formula 2 season while Cordeel and Esterson closed the grid in the back. Right when the lights turned green, Dürksen gained the lead and maintained it through the start.

Victor Martins went off the track in Lap 1 – Turn 1 and dropped to 13th position due to Stanek taking evasive measures. Unfortunately, having lost control of the rear of his car and bumping into a barrier, Martins had to retire on Lap 2. The Virtual Safety Car lasted until Lap 4.

Mid Race Drama

While Fornaroli and Luke Browning fought for second position, Jak Crawford had to retire in Lap 4 for also losing the rear of his car. Another battle was taking place between Dino Beganovic and Sebastián Montoya for fifth position resulting in Beganovic overtaking Montoya in Lap 5.

Being rookies this season, both Trident Motorsports drivers had a learning curve during this race. Another safety car was brought out from Laps 6 to 10 because Max Esterson spun out at Turn 6. During Lap 14 at Turn 10, Sami Meguetounif also spun out.

Spinning out and recovering seemed so easy when Beganovic spun out on Lap 12, Turn 9, and successfully recovered. Meanwhile, Dürksen, Fornaroli, and Browning were still fighting to keep their provisional podium positions. 

Closing Stages

The end of the race was not as eventful as the beginning but the drivers accomplished a productive race. All the drivers got the opportunity to test their abilities. As the first sprint race of the season came to an end, Gabriele Minì finished with the fastest lap and in seventh place. The extra point from the fastest lap will give him a leg up in the Drivers’ Championship.

Dürksen, Fornaroli, and Browning all finished on podiums, first, second, and third respectively. All three drivers were successful in defending their positions the entire race. At one point, Dürksen even had a gap of 2 seconds. 

The first Sprint Race of the 2025 F2 Championship was typically action packed and we look now forward to the Feature Race on Sunday in Melbourne. 

Formula 2 standings after Round 1 Sprint Race:

?? Durksen 10
?? Fornaroli 8
?? Browning 6
?? Verschoor 5
?? Stanek 4
?? Montoya 3
?? Mini 3
?? Marti 1

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— ?????? F2.COM (@insidef2) March 15, 2025

Image: FML