The 2025 F2 weekend in Jeddah showcased high-speed drama, strategic mastery, and regulatory twists that reshaped the championship.
High Speed Drama, Penalties and a Race-Winning Final Lap Manoeuvre
Richard Verschoor emerged as a central figure throughout the 2025 F2 weekend in Jeddah, delivering a standout performance in the Feature Race. He used a different strategic approach, which ultimately helped him clinch the championship lead.
Qualifying: Crawford Clinches Pole in Jeddah Thriller
DAMS Lucas Oil’s Jak Crawford left the decision of who would take pole open until the very last lap.
With a session marked by intense competition and a late red flag, Crawford’s final flying lap of 1:43.579 edged ART Grand Prix’s Victor Martins by a mere 0.022 seconds.
The qualifying session began with Martins setting the early pace, clocking a 1:44.559. Campos Racing‘s Arvin Lindblad briefly took the top spot with 1:44.250 before drivers returned to the pits for fresh supersoft tyres.
Upon resumption, Luke Browning led the timesheets with a 1:43.737 until a red flag was brought out due to John Bennett’s crash at Turn 17.
After the track was cleared, drivers had time for one final flying lap. Crawford used this opportunity, delivering a lap that secured DAMS Lucas Oil’s first pole position since Melbourne 2023.
Leonardo Fornaroli qualified third, just 0.092 seconds behind Crawford. Browning and Lindblad completed the top five, followed by Dunne, Marti, Mini, Verschoor and Stanek.
Stanek, originally tenth, received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Dunne during qualifying. This promoted Verschoor to ninth, granting Stanek a reverse-grid pole for the Sprint Race.
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Sprint Race: Maiden Win after Penalty
Verschoor crossed the finish line first in the Sprint Race. However, he was given a five-second penalty for forcing another driver off the track.
This penalty was confirmed on the final lap, and Arvid Lindblad from Campos Racing inherited the victory, marking his maiden win in F2 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. He became the youngest winner in F2 history.
ART Grand Prix driver Ritomo Miyata and Van Ameersfoort Racing’s John Bennett were also handed a 10-second time penalty after the race.
Firstly, Miyata left the track and gained an advantage. As a result, the penalty moved him from P18 to P19. TRIDENT’s Max Esterson gained a position.
Bennett breached Article 12.2.1.I of the International Sporting Code by failing to follow the Race Director’s instructions to follow the Safety Car into the pitlane.
Feature Race: Verschoor Secures Redemption Victory in Jeddah
After a disheartening disqualification in the Sprint Race, Verschoor showed tactical brilliance in the Feature Race.
Starting from ninth on the grid, he opted for an alternative strategy, beginning on medium compound tyres and extending his first stint to 23 laps. This decision proved pivotal as he maintained strong lap times and built a substantial gap over his rivals.
VERSCHOOR GETS THE W 🎉🎉
FROM P9 TO P1 😮💨
WHAT A DRIVE by the Dutchman to clinch the Feature Race victory 💪#F2 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/OsUAqrGxQJ
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) April 20, 2025
As the race unfolded, key contenders like Crawford and Martins engaged in intense battles, with Crawford initially leading after the pit stops.
However, Verschoor’s consistent pace on the mediums enabled him to stay out longer and capitalise on the clear track ahead.
On Lap 24, the Dutchman pitted for supersoft tyres, rejoining the race behind Crawford but ahead of Martins.
With fresher and faster tyres, he began closing the gap to Crawford, reducing it from three seconds to within DRS range by the penultimate lap.
In a decisive move on the final lap, Verschoor utilised DRS to overtake Crawford into Turn 1, securing the lead and ultimately the victory. Martins completed the podium in third place.
Post-Race Thoughts
Richard Verschoor reflects on the race in the post-race press conference:
It was tough. I was doing 28 Qualifying laps. I think our pace was just very strong. To be honest, when the race started, I wasn´t happy with the balance. But the more the race went on, the car came alive. – Richard Verschoor, MP Motorsport.
Further, he expresses his thoughts on the different strategic approaches:
I think we were the fastest car on the track, even though we were on the opposite strategy. […] We had a very good pitstop as well, so hats off to the team, they did everything right today, and the pace was just there to take the win. I didn´t expect it, but of course I´m very, very happy. – Richard Verschoor, MP Motorsport.
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Championship Implications
Verschoor’s Feature Race triumph propelled him into the championship lead with 53 points.
Josep Maria Marti from Campos Racing follows with 41 points, while Fornaroli and Dunne (Rodin Motorsport) trail with 40 and 35 points, respectively.
Straight to the 🔝
Verschoor’s Feature Race victory sends him to the summit of the Driver Standings 👊
And Crawford’s exploits see him surge into the top 10 🚀#F2 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/UrjRlRQN3V
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) April 20, 2025
Campos Racing leads the standings with 65 points, ahead of MP Motorsport on 59. Invicta Racing are third with 48 points, three ahead of Hitech TGR in fourth on 45.
The 2025 F2 weekend in Jeddah was a rollercoaster of emotions for Richard Verschoor, transitioning from the disappointment of disqualification to the elation of victory.
After a short break, the fourth round of the championship awaits in Imola, from May 16 to 18.
READ NEXT: Hamilton Anticipates “Painful” 2025 as Ferrari Struggles Persist
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 20.04.2025
