Gabriel Bortoleto Claims Back-to-Back F2 Title in Thrilling 2024 Season

The Formula 2 season of 2024 produced one of the most intense and thrilling championship fights in the sport’s history. Despite an early lead by Jack Hadjar, Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto fought tooth and nail to reclaim his title, securing victory in an unforgettable final round at Yas Marina Circuit.

Bortoleto’s triumph not only solidified his status as one of the greatest F2 drivers of all time but also marked his second consecutive title in both F2 and F3. Here’s a detailed look at Bortoleto’s journey to glory throughout the 2024 campaign.

Round 8: Silverstone

In the opening round of the second half of the season, Hadjar achieved a strong pole position and led the sprint race but an imperious Andrea Kimi Antonelli triumphed by eight seconds. The feature race saw Hadjar fail to convert his pole position, handing the lead to Martins and Bearman. Despite Jak Crawford’s early lead, he faced a time penalty for an unsafe release, allowing Hadjar to rise to victory. The win propelled Hadjar to the championship lead.

Round 9: Budapest

Aron Martin reclaimed pole position in Budapest, and while his teammate Verschoor initially led the sprint race, Antonelli’s aggressive driving forced him to relinquish the lead due to a technical infringement, handing Kush Maini his first F2 victory. In the feature race, Antonelli redeemed himself by outmaneuvering Martins and securing his second victory of the season, maintaining the championship’s tight battle.

Round 10: Spa-Francorchamps

On wet weather conditions, Zakk O’Sullivan clinched pole position and won the shortened sprint race, while Hadjar took victory in the feature race. The race saw a thrilling battle among the top three championship protagonists, concluding with Hadjar securing his fourth win of the season and a critical two points over Aron Martin. Meanwhile, Bortoleto showed his potential with a second-place finish.

Round 11: Monza

Despite Hadjar starting from pole, his title rival Bortoleto’s misfortunes began with a spin at Turn 1, relegating him to last on the grid for both races. Bortoleto’s spirited performance throughout the second race and a timely Safety Car allowed him to surge into victory from the rear, narrowing the championship lead to just 10.5 points heading to Baku.

Round 12: Baku

In his final weekend with Trident, Verschoor claimed pole position and won the feature race, reclaiming his spot on the podium. Bortoleto’s strong performances brought him into contention for the title, taking the championship lead ahead of Hadjar. The Romanian’s strategy and determination had shapes the endgame of the season.

Round 13: Lusail

In a desert double-header, Aron maintained the championship’s intrigue on pole, separating himself from Bortoleto. Aron’s aggressive strategy in the sprint race produced an early lead but faltered on the final laps, handing victory to Bearman and Oleksii Kovalenko. Meanwhile, Bortoleto’s late penalty in the feature race set up a dramatic finale.

The final round at Lusail showcased a titanic battle between Bortoleto, Hadjar, and Aron. Despite a penalty for Bortoleto, the opening sequence suggested a victory for the Brazilian. However, a close finish saw Aron inherit the title lead by just half a point, sending the championship to the final round.

Round 14: Yas Marina

In the sprint race, Josep María Martí claimed pole and led the race, holding off Bortoleto and Hadjar. The latter managed a fifth-place finish. Despite a strong start, Bortoleto’s ambitions in the feature race were cut short due to a Safety Car and a penalty, leaving Hadjar to finish second. Bortoleto’s tactical advantage and determined strategy sealed his place as F2 champion.

Gabriel Bortoleto’s F2 title and his back-to-back success in F3 cement his legacy as one of the sport’s most formidable drivers. His journey was a testament to his talent, perseverance, and strategic acumen, making the 2024 F2 season one for the annals of motorsport history.

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