One round into the new season, Formula 2 returns with a new roster of drivers, all set to battle throughout the season. Who are the top contenders for the 2025 F2 title?
Who are the Possible 2025 F2 Title Contenders?
Since its rebranding in 2017, Formula 2 has witnessed many drivers battling for the championship. Among these drivers are notable names who now compete in Formula 1, demonstrating the experience they have gained during their time in the junior series.
For some of them, winning the F2 championship represented the crucial step needed to attract the attention of F1 teams and fulfil their childhood dream.
However, one should not underestimate the challenges faced by drivers in Formula 2, along with the pressure they must endure under scrutiny.
Given how fast-paced the world of motorsport is, where unexpected events can happen at any moment, it is wise to focus on certain drivers to watch for the remainder of the season in this last of the junior series.
Here are some drivers who could become the centre of attention in the fight for the 2025 F2 title.
Formula 2 2025 Season: A Compact Grid
Making predictions after just one round can be risky. However, we can draw some insights from the Australian round that suggest two main points.
Firstly, the field appears very competitive, with many drivers fighting for pole and solid track positions. Rookies and experienced drivers are showing similar paces, and as Crawford and Maini pointed out, it doesn’t take long for a driver to get up to speed.
This is partly due to the new and tougher preparations that drivers undergo when moving from championships, highlighting how competitive junior series have become.
Secondly, there are several drivers to keep an eye on. The reasons for their potential vary, from newcomers in their first year who promise to showcase great talent on track to those with experience who aim to apply what they have learned over their years in the series.
READ MORE: Durksen Leads 2025 Formula 2 Championship After Australia
Potential F2 2025 Title Contenders
Leonardo Fornaroli
2024 Formula 3 driver’s champion, Leonardo Fornaroli, aims to follow in the footsteps of his former teammate, Gabriele Bortoleto. Although the Italian did not win Formula 3 in his first year in the series, Formula 2 could be his next chance.
He demonstrated a quick adaptation to the car in Australia, though there are still some areas he needs to improve throughout the year. Notably, he secured a podium finish in the sprint race.
Given the consistency he showcased last year that earned him the title, he is a driver to watch. Fornaroli is also eager to achieve his first win since his last victory in Formula 4 in 2021.
Gabriele Minì
The other Italian on the grid showed impressive speed right from the first weekend on track. Gabriele Mini’s performance was better than that of Fornaroli, as he secured pole position in his first qualifying session in Formula 3.
Although he was penalized three places, which limited his ability to showcase his skills in the feature race, he demonstrated significant speed on Saturday. Starting the sprint race in 13th place, he managed to recover six positions and also earned an extra point for the fastest lap.
In Formula 3, Minì proved to be fast and aggressive in his overtakes, allowing him to compete for the championship until the last corner of the final race. Now, in Formula 2, he is more motivated than ever to turn things around.
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Victor Martins
After the end of his relationship with Alpine and the missed opportunity to step up to a Formula 1 team as a reserve driver, Victor Martins wants to showcase his abilities on the track.
He had a tough 2024, a year in which he believed he could contend for the championship but faced many challenges instead.
However, in 2025, Martins and ART Grand Prix seem to have regained the speed that allowed them to win both titles in 2023. Will he be able to capitalize on this momentum and secure the title in his third year?
Campos Racing’s drivers
The season started off challenging for both Campos Racing’s drivers. Australia proved to be a tricky weekend for them, resulting in only a handful of points. Numerous technical problems since free practice prevented the drivers from showcasing their true potential.
However, they cannot be excluded from the title fight after the great season Campos Racing had last year, especially with one of their drivers. Pepe Martì, who closed last year with a win in the Sprint Race in Abu Dhabi, can compete with the front runners.
Alongside him, Arvid Lindblad, the most valuable asset of the Red Bull junior team, demonstrated impressive speed last year and could carry that momentum into Formula 3 to challenge for the title.
Joshua Durksen
Joshua Durksen considered an outsider in the title fight, had a remarkable rookie season last year. The Paraguayan driver is currently leading the championship after winning the only race held in Australia.
Last year, Durksen and AIX Racing proved to be a successful power duo, with their car appearing unmatched on the straights when Durksen was behind the wheel.
His first season concluded with a victory in Abu Dhabi, and based on his strong performance in Australia, he should not be counted out in the championship fight.
He could very well be the dark horse in the title race, highlighting how competitive the grid is and the consistently high level of competitiveness in the series.
READ NEXT: Does Winning the F2 Title Still Matter for an F1 Future?
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / HochZwei
Recording Date: 15.03.2025
