Future F1 Stars Ready to Shine at Qatar’s Lusail Circuit

Doha, Qatar: The Formula 2 championship returns to the Lusail International Circuit (LIC) this weekend, showcasing the next generation of racing talent. This premier feeder series, known for its high-stakes competition, offers young drivers a crucial platform to demonstrate their skills and aspirations for a future in Formula 1.

LIC has previously hosted thrilling races, including one of the final rounds of the 2024 season, which featured an intense battle among contenders such as Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, Zane Maloney, and Paul Aron. Ultimately, Bortoleto emerged as the champion, while Hadjar and Aron secured second and third place, respectively. Their success has propelled both Bortoleto and Hadjar to the 2025 Formula 1 grid, illustrating the pivotal role that Formula 2 plays in shaping future champions.

Intense Competition in the 2025 Season

The current F2 championship is as competitive as ever, with several drivers emerging as strong contenders. Leading the standings is Leonardo Fornaroli with 188 points. The Italian driver has showcased remarkable consistency, securing victories in the Silverstone Sprint, Spa Sprint, Budapest Feature, and Monza Sprint. Despite a challenging race in Baku, where he received a penalty that dropped him from third to fifth, Fornaroli remains the benchmark in the championship.

Jak Crawford, with 169 points, is closely chasing Fornaroli after a commanding win in Baku, marking his fourth victory of the year. His impressive performances also include wins at Imola, Monaco, and Silverstone. As the development driver for Aston Martin, Crawford has positioned himself as a serious challenger for the title.

Another contender, Luke Browning, currently holds 161 points. The British driver secured his first Feature Race victory at Monza and has consistently finished on the podium, keeping him within striking distance of the leaders. Richard Verschoor follows closely with 151 points, having achieved three wins this season, while Alex Dunne, the Irish rookie, has made an impressive impact with wins in Sakhir and Imola, totaling 130 points.

Further down the standings, Josep Martí (112 points) and Arvid Lindblad (109 points) continue to impress, with standout performances highlighting their potential. Lindblad’s notable drive from P14 to sixth in Baku exemplifies his racing prowess, while Dino Beganovic (96 points) and Roman Staněk (81 points) have also contributed to the vibrant competition this season.

Pathway to Formula 1

Looking ahead to 2026, several F2 drivers are already in discussions for potential full-time F1 seats. Jak Crawford is reportedly in talks with Cadillac’s F1 team, positioning him as a frontrunner for any upcoming opportunities. Concurrently, Red Bull is preparing Arvid Lindblad for a possible promotion, having provided him with an early superlicence and opportunities to participate in F1 practice sessions.

The introduction of the new Dallara F2 chassis in 2024 has further enhanced the drivers’ experience, as this model is lighter, more powerful, and designed to mimic the handling characteristics of modern F1 cars. This evolutionary step ensures that drivers are developing skills that are directly transferable to the elite motorsport level.

As the championship intensifies, LIC will serve as a crucial venue during the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2025 weekend. This event allows fans to witness both F1 and F2 competitors on the same track, highlighting the journey of today’s heroes and tomorrow’s stars. With the stage set for another exhilarating weekend of racing, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and skill in Qatar.