Following the FIA Formula 2 Imola Feature Race, Luke Browning discusses how the excellent timing of his pit stop and outstanding overcut lap ultimately led to him taking his fourth podium of the season.
Browning enters the 2025 season as a fan favourite and strong title contender after an impressing F3 season last year.
Carrying the momentum he finished last season on – after his F2 Debut in the place of Zak O Sullivan – Browning has picked up four podiums in seven races this year. He now sits second in the drivers’ championship, behind two-time Feature Race winner Alex Dunne.
In a thrilling display of speed and strategy, the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Feature Race brought lots of action as always, and the fate of the race was ultimately a result of the pit stops on Lap 7, and Browning and Beganovic’s intense battle allowing Alex Dunne to split the Hitech pair.
Following the Feature Race, Browning was asked how the race was from his car, and how he felt about P2 – maybe not the step on the podium he wanted to be on.
“Honestly, we are where we deserve to be today, that’s probably where our pace ended up. I don’t think we would’ve caught Alex [Dunne] at the end, and actually it was a very interesting race. “
Feeling like that was the most he could get out of the car today, Browning continued, that:
“Like Alex, the pit stop got us to that position and that overcut lap was maximum push – I think it was one of the best laps I’ve ever done, it put me in the position to meet the guys in front. “
Managing tyres whilst still pushing proved to be difficult, however it was vital in order for Browning to get P2 and bring home some silverware.
“I think the management of the race was very important, after the pit stop we were in between the prime starters: who to keep in DRS and who not, who to attack at the right time, and to not get caught up in incidents was the key in the race.
“Obviously naturally we picked up a bit of luck with the drivers having unfortunate starts, but we have to make the most of this and that’s Formula 2.”
A pit stop on Lap 5 saw him exit the pits ahead of team mate and net race leader Dino Beganovic, putting the Hitech crew on edge as the last thing they needed was for their drivers to come together.
Browning explained that, “It’s difficult with team mates, because naturally you want the best for each other.”
However, “Equally you’re fighting for your own careers”.
And finally, Browning was asked if he could see a win coming soon, as he has been close on occasion but has yet to step on the top step of the podium this year. Conversely to the attitude of most drivers, Browning revealed that:
“Honestly, I don’t mind. I won enough last year and it didn’t get me the [Formula 3] championship. I’m after the best end championship result we can get, and if that’s from consistently not winning, but consistently picking up points I’m happy with that.”
Image: Formula 1/Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images
