In Abu Dhabi, F2 will run its final round of the 2024 season. With a champion yet to be crowned, a lot of action is expected on track.
Who will come out as champion in F2’s final round?
Formula 2 drivers are ready to hit the track one last time this year in Abu Dhabi.
The main fight will be between Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Paul Aron, who are all still in contention for the Drivers’ title.
The chances to earn points will start on Friday and end on Sunday with the coronation of the 2024 Formula 2 champion after the Feature Race.
However, the three title contenders will not be alone on the track and the fights between other drivers could change the fate of the championship.
F2 season finale in Abu Dhabi
14 rounds, 28 races, and 17 different winners so far. These are some of the numbers for this 2024 season of Formula 2. A new car and new drivers from various Motorsport feeder series, have made this year exciting and have changed the direction of this championship many times.
Abu Dhabi, renowned for thrilling duels in both F1 and F2, will demand precise weekend management, particularly for title contenders. They’ll need to get ahead of their rivals early to secure crucial points.
Tyre management will play a vital role, but with F1 Academy sessions laying down rubber beforehand, the track should offer more grip.
The circuit’s two long straights will maximize DRS usage, creating key overtaking opportunities.
Ultimately, strategic pit stops could prove decisive, offering a significant advantage in gaining and holding positions.
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What are the possible strategies to be used?
During the Feature Race, pit stops are mandatory. Therefore, the strategy chosen by the team and the drivers is crucial for that race.
This weekend in Formula 2, two compounds of tyres are available; the Medium and the Supersoft.
Those opting to start on the Supersofts are likely to adopt an aggressive approach early in the race.
If managed effectively, this strategy could allow them to build a significant lead and create enough of a gap to their rivals before switching to the more durable Medium tyres during their pit stop.
Alternatively, drivers could opt to start on the Medium tyres, aiming for a longer first stint and saving the faster Supersofts for a late charge.
This strategy is often favoured by those starting at the back of the grid, as it allows them to recover positions by delaying their pit stop and potentially capitalizing on a well-timed safety car intervention
Tyre management is necessary for any strategy, as the asphalt of Yas Marina is very abrasive. However, the two long straights help cool the tyres and reduce degradation, when managed with the right technique.
Pit stops in Formula 2 tend to be slower than in Formula 1 due to the smaller number of mechanics.
Even so, drivers can attempt an undercut or overcut, strategies that can become decisive, especially during a Safety Car period. This approach has paid off for drivers like Kimi Antonelli and Zak O’Sullivan at various points this season.
The goal will be established on Friday, as a strong qualifying session and favourable grid position can be crucial for success on both Saturday and Sunday, especially on this circuit.
A three-way fight, but only one winner
From 2017 – with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic – Formula 2 has always concluded its season in Abu Dhabi. However, it’s not every year that two contenders for the title arrive with only 0.5 points between them.
Gabriel Bortoleto is the championship leader with 188.5 points. Behind him, Isack Hadjar at 188 points. A little more detached is Paul Aron at 163 points but still mathematically fighting for the title.
In Qatar, Bortoleto lost crucial points to his rival Hadjar, allowing the French-Algerian to close the gap to the Brazilian in the championship standings. Paul Aron also gained momentum, securing his first win of the season during Sunday’s race.
Gabriel Bortoleto, a McLaren Junior Program driver, is more motivated than ever to secure both the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles for the Invicta team before beginning his Formula 1 journey with Sauber in 2025.
Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is under pressure to prove his worth to Red Bull, who placed their faith in him this year by appointing him as reserve driver. Despite this, his future within the program remains uncertain.
Paul Aron, the third rookie in this talented trio, was recently named Alpine’s reserve driver for 2025.
With Jack Doohan set to make his Formula 1 debut at Yas Marina, Aron’s chances of winning the title could significantly boost his standing and place added pressure on Doohan as Alpine evaluates its long-term lineup.
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The timings of the 2024 F2 Abu Dhabi GP
The 22 Formula 2 drivers will hit the track in Abu Dhabi starting Friday, December 6, with the qualifying session, culminating in the championship-deciding Feature Race on Sunday, December 8, at 13:25 local time.
Friday, December 6, 2024
- Free Practice: 11:05–11:50 local time (07:05–07:50 GMT)
- Qualifying: 15:00–15:30 local time (11:00–11:30 GMT)
Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Sprint Race: 16:15–17:00 local time (12:15–13:00 GMT)
Sunday, December 8, 2024
- Feature Race: 13:25 local time (09:25 GMT)
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