As F2 approaches its conclusion, like F1, its usefulness is hotly contested.
Supposed to be the antechamber of F1, Formula 2 has struggled to convince in recent seasons. Yet a hotly contested championship, he struggles to convince. And seems to lose interest over successive exercises, crushed by the predominance of the premier category of motorsport and its numerous GPs. Here are three reasons for its downgrading.
Results in F2 no longer mean anything to join F1
A title that is worthless: the observation is cruel but it is very real for F2. Proof of this is that the last two champions Felipe Drugovich and Théo Pourchaire failed to establish themselves in F1. The first had his chance during the first free practice session at the United States F1 GP with Aston Martin, the second sees his future within the elite darken from month to month. Unfortunate for a championship which wishes to reward its best drivers with promotion to the next level.
If Felipe Drugovich and Théo Pourchaire are struggling to find a place in F1, this is not the case for Franco Colapinto, driver at Williams, and Ollie Bearman, starting driver at Haas from the 2025 season. Surprising because both drivers did not particularly shine in Formula 2, the Argentinian was seventh in the championship; Bearman also showed his advantage, without winning the Formula 2 championship.
A lack of fairness between the drivers?
Another argument which does not work in favor of F2, the lack of fairness felt by several drivers. The Indian Kush Maini spilled the beans at the end of the Azerbaijan GP. Joshua Dürksen’s performances punctuate his words.
Poorly classified in the Formula Regional European championship last year (only 20 out of 41st), he performs in F2. His victory during the sprint race in Baku, with a crazy lead, was shocking and raised questions about the future of the category.
Season after season, the place in the Formula 1 lobby also becomes more and more expensive. For this 2024 financial year, you must pay a minimum of 2.5 million euros to participate in the championship. Which forces drivers to find solid financial sponsors, otherwise they risk losing everything. Roman Staněk is the perfect example. The Czech lost his sponsor, and therefore his place in F2. His performances also did not work in his favor.
No space in F2
Zak O’Sullivan will not say otherwise. “I’m disappointed not to be able to showcase my talents for the rest of the year, but I would like to thank all my sponsors, Williams Racing and all the supporters who are by my side during this adventure,” he adds. before ending by talking about his future. Your support has been invaluable and I look forward to riding for and with you again soon. What’s next? We’re working on it with Williams Racing as part of the academy, and we’ll see what happens.” he explained a month earlier when announcing the end of his collaboration with ART GP.
A phenomenon seems to have finally strengthened for several years: drivers who do several seasons in F2. Illustration with Amaury Cordeel who is completing his third season in F2. Consequence: several drivers do not have the opportunity to evolve in this category and perform there to ultimately aim for the F1 objective.
Having worked for WebGirondins, Daily Sports, beIN Sports and Quinze Mondial, I am currently working at Daily Mercato and We Sport. My passions? Diego Simeone’s hyper-defensive football, the Talent League and seeing Roman Reigns in action. My philosophy? Progress a little more every day and bring you the most complete information on each of my articles.
