Formula 2 returns to the ‘Home of Motorsport’ as off-track action has dominated the build-up to Silverstone.
It’s a busy weekend of motorsport to come with Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, and W Series all racing over the same weekend at the same track. Last time out in Baku saw Dennis Hauger finally seal his first race win in the series after stepping up from F3 as the champion. However, it was a fortunate ending for Hauger because of a mistake from Juri Vips crashing out from the lead of the race when he was looking comfortable.
The lead driver in the championship, Felipe Drugovich, had a relatively quiet weekend but kept the leader board ticking over with a good points haul. It leaves him 49 points ahead of Alfa Romeo Sauber’s protégé Theo Pourchaire in second place.
The build-up prior to this week was who of the title contenders would come away with the best result at Silverstone. That was until there was a very disappointing and controversial period for Vips that nearly ended his racing career.
Juri Vips
On June 21st it was revealed that during a live stream Vips had used a racist slur, followed by homophobic language later on in the same stream. Red Bull were quick to act. Suspending Vips from the junior program and undertaking a full investigation. The investigation came to a conclusion on the 28th when Red Bull announced they had terminated his contract with immediate effect. It was the correct decision by the team and they acted swiftly.
However, that wasn’t quite the end of it. While Vips was a Red Bull junior he was also a driver for Hitech Grand Prix’s Formula 2 team. Hitech has announced they will continue with Vips as a driver for the rest of the season despite the offensive language and despite Red Bull’s decision. The team intends to educate Vips and give him a second chance.
A decision that will definitely divide opinion. F2 came out with a statement later in the day saying they did not agree with the decision. It feels like this will rumble on for the rest of the season but there is still a race weekend to come!
The Circuit – Silverstone
The British Grand Prix 3.66-mile circuit was first used in 1950 and has become an iconic staple of the Formula 1 calendar. With 18 turns, including many high-speed corners. Silverstone is one of the drivers’ favorites and is now a mainstay of Formula 2’s calendar. The track is not synonymous with overtaking but that doesn’t usually stop the drivers from having a go!
Drivers Standings
While Drugovich might have a large lead that can all change quickly in Formula 2. The chasing drivers are all tightly packed and hunting for him. Second to eighth place are separated by 33 points with a potential 35 points available each race weekend.
- Felipe Drugovich – 132 points
- Theo Pourchaire – 83 points
- Jehan Daruvala – 73 points
- Logan Sargeant – 59 points
Teams Standings
Formula 2 is more about the drivers aiming to step up to Formula 1 but that doesn’t mean the teams aren’t focused on their championship.
- MP Motorsport
- Prema Racing
- ART Grand Prix
- Hitech Grand Prix
Race Predictions
The series is one of the most unpredictable and results can swing wildly as a result of the part reversed grid for the Sprint Race. Expect to see some combative racing all the way along the field. The usual suspects do often find themselves towards the front of the Feature Race on a Sunday.
The Feature Race podium prediction:
- Theo Pourchaire
- Dennis Hauger
- Felipe Drugovich
How to Watch Formula 2 – EDT &GMT
- Practice 07/01 – 5:45 AM on ESPN (10.45 AM Sky Sports F1)
- Qualifying 07/01 – 12:30 PM on ESPN (5.30 PM Sky Sports F1)
- Sprint Race 07/02 – 12:00 PM on ESPN (5.00 PM Sky Sports F1)
- Feature Race 07/03 – 5:05 AM on ESPN (10.05 AM Sky Sports F1)
