Formula 2: A season full of promise opens in Australia
From March 14 to 16, in Australia, supporting the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the curtain will rise on the Formula 2 championship. A first for the category, which has never before opened its season in Australia. This new setting could well disrupt the habits of teams and drivers, especially since the track conditions are often treacherous.
A revised and still demanding schedule
As every year, Formula 2 will accompany Formula 1 at 14 rounds, spread across four continents. After the opening in Melbourne, the caravan will head to Bahrain (April 11-13) and Jeddah (April 18-20) to continue the season.
Europe will then host the championship from May 16 in Imola, followed by Monaco, Barcelona, Spielberg, Silverstone, Budapest, and Spa-Francorchamps. After a summer break, the second part of the season will resume in Italy at Monza, then in Azerbaijan in Baku. The end of the season will pass through Qatar before concluding in Abu Dhabi from December 5 to 7.
Drivers to watch
After a notable 2024 season, several drivers will try to confirm their status and get closer to a seat in F1. With Victor Martins having recently completed the grid at ART Grand Prix, we will indeed have two French drivers at the start of the Melbourne Grand Prix. The second being Samy Meguetounif, driver for the Italian team, Trident.
Attention will also be focused on the new recruits from Formula 3 and on the performances of the Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren academies, whose young hopefuls will fight to impress the F1 teams.
A first challenge in Melbourne
The Albert Park street circuit represents a unique challenge for Formula 2 drivers. Unfamiliar with this track, they will have to quickly adapt to the specific conditions of the circuit: low grip at the start of the weekend, aggressive curbs, and tricky braking zones. Last year, another Frenchman won the Australian Grand Prix. It was Isack Hadjar, now a Racing Bulls driver in Formula 1.
The format remains unchanged, with a sprint race on Saturday and a main race on Sunday, where the management of Pirelli tires and strategy will play a key role.
