Formula 2: The favorite drivers of the 2024 season
The Formula 2 season started yesterday in Bahrain with free practice, promising an intense and closely watched championship, more than in previous years. Among the favorites, the Frenchman Victor Martins is emerging as the main contender, despite a slightly complicated first qualifying session yesterday (9th on the grid). His compatriot, Isack Hadjar, is considered an outsider.
This is the first Formula 2 Grand Prix of the season! This year promises to be full of emotions. Among the favorites is a Frenchman: Victor Martins (5th in the 2023 F2 championship with several victories). The second Frenchman, Isack Hadjar, is also seen as an outsider this season.
The Sakhir circuit is emblematic for Formula 2. Inaugurated in 2017 with the title won by Charles Leclerc in GP2, it remains a must-see for the discipline. The teams are pampered, benefiting from dedicated stands along the second straight. Winning this championship would be a real feat, especially this year when the F1’s attention is particularly keen. Where F1 teams believe in their young talents. The stakes are high.
The French favorite
The French driver, Victor Martins, aged 22, is one of the top contenders after an impressive rookie season alongside reigning champion Théo Pourchaire. The F3 champion in 2022, and still evolving at ART, he aims to consolidate his position. Good performances would allow him and his team to retain their titles but also to position themselves well in the transfer market. The Alpine protege could possibly be awarded a place in F1 next year if he were to win the title.
His main rival, the British Ollie Bearman, 18 years old, also made an impression during his first season in F2 with the Prema team. He finished the 2023 season in 6th place in the championship. A strong performance this year could open the doors to F1 with Haas for him.
Isack Hadjar, 19 years old, joined the Campos Racing team after a modest season last year. He finished 14th in the final standings of the last season. He is counting on this season to make an impression and attract the attention of Red Bull Racing, hoping to secure a seat with their affiliated team, Racing Bulls.
The formidable Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Finally, Kimi Antonelli, 17 years old, is a revelation. He is compared to Max Verstappen for his early talent. Supported by Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, he must meet the high expectations as he makes the jump to F2 alongside Bearman at Prema directly, without going through Formula 3 and with the perspective of potentially joining Mercedes in F1 as early as 2025 and Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.
This Formula 2 season promises to be captivating, with these young talented drivers competing for victory and the opportunity to shine on the global stage of motor racing.
