Formula 2
Bortoleto crowned 2024 F2 champion, Hadjar powerless
© Sebastian Rozendaal / Dutch Photo Agency / DPPI
There was no suspense. However, the scenario suggested a great battle this Sunday during the Main Race in Abu Dhabi. Alas, Gabriel Bortoleto (Invicta Racing) did not have to really try hard to win the 2024 champion title of Formula 2.
Second on the grid, the Brazilian saw Isack Hadjar (Campos) immediately experience problems. Third just behind his rival for the title, the Tricolore stalled at the lights out, losing all hope from the start. Brought back to the pits to have his car restarted, the protégé of Red Bull was keen to go all the way with his efforts even though he was already more than a lap behind. A way for him to reward all the efforts of his team, but also to hope for some racing events that could have put him back in the game.
OH NO ISACK! 🤯🤯🤯
Problem at the start for Isack Hadjar, he sets off again on the track more than a lap behind...#AbuDhabiGP #F2 pic.twitter.com/LydEm4g9Lg
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) December 8, 2024
Unfortunately, the Main Race was relatively calm and Gabriel Bortoleto was able to ride in complete serenity. Leader during the first part, he had a little trouble coming out of the pits, falling back to provisional third place. In the last laps, still helped by his very good pace, he managed to catch up with Victor Martins (ART Grand Prix) to take second place under the checkered flag behind Joshua Dürksen (AIX Racing), winner for the first time on Sunday in F2.
Starting from pole position, Victor Martins missed his start and lost many positions. Although he managed to catch up over the laps, he lost his third place on the podium on the last lap to Richard Verschoor (MP Motorsport).
It is therefore Gabriel Bortoleto who wins the prize at the end of this 2024 season, becoming the first driver to win a series of titles. F3 and F2 as a rookie since Oscar piastri (2020 and 2021). On the list of winners, he succeeds Theo Pourchaire. Now, it is F1 that awaits him under the colours of Sauber in 2025 before moving to Audi in 2026. Isack Hadjar finished 19th and last classified. Bortoleto and Invicta even did a double blow since they also won the team championship.
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Gonzalo Forbes
In charge of promotion formulas (F2, F3, FRECA, F4...). Carried by the grace of Franco Colapinto.
DANIEL MEYERS
08/12/2024 at 12:33 a.m.
The French are great at handling the pressure at the start. If the door to F1 doesn't finally open to Hadjar, he'll know exactly why. As for Martins, we know what happens to the F1 chances of a driver who won an F2 title in his 3rd season.