Hitech driver Luke Browning moves within one point of the championship lead after recovering from a difficult start to the 2025 F2 Monaco GP Sprint race.
Luke Browning secured his fifth F2 podium of the 2025 season at Monaco, finishing third in the Sprint race despite suffering anti-stall issues that hampered his chances from the outset. The British driver’s resilient performance moved him to within just one point of the championship lead heading into the Feature Race.
Start troubles compromise early chances
Though he started from second on the grid, technical gremlins compromised his race, striking twice in quick succession.
“I had anti-stall twice, both on the formation lap and on the race start. And, yeah, it seemed to be a little bit out of my control, unfortunately,” Browning explained after the race. “But, as with any championship, it’s all about maximising what’s inside your control. And this was damaged rotation today. So, to have these issues in Monaco, especially at the start, and then recover to P3, the pace that we had, especially early on in the race, I think, yeah, it was a good job by the team and a good job by me.”
The start troubles dropped Browning down the order, but he ultimately inherited the final podium position when Arvid Lindblad received a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision with Jak Crawford. However, this situation created its own tactical complications for the Hitech driver.
This wasn't the start @LukeBrown1ng had in mind 🙃
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) May 24, 2025
But he still fought back to claim third and his fifth podium of the season! 💪#F2 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/l3RKiyDbWG
Complications with Lindblad during the Sprint
With Lindblad running ahead on track but destined to drop back due to his penalty, Browning found himself in a strategic bind that prevented him from challenging for the fastest lap point during the F2 Monaco GP Sprint race.
“It was actually the opposite because, obviously, he was trying to create the biggest gap he could to the guys in front,” Browning said when asked if Lindblad’s penalty had influenced his race strategy. “So, the moment that I backed off trying to do the fastest lap, he would back off and then block me to do it. So, I was kind of screwed if I was slowed down, and I was screwed if I was quick and right behind him.”
The situation proved particularly frustrating for Browning, who recognised that getting past Lindblad early in the race could have opened up different strategic options.
An unlucky situation
“Unfortunately, it was just one of those days today where the situation I was in, I couldn’t do much more. I was almost guaranteed P3, but I think the reason why I was trying to overtake him so much at the start of the race was if I managed to get past, I’d have a shot of doing the fastest lap. Otherwise, I wouldn’t.”
When pressed about the challenge of following Lindblad for much of the race, Browning was characteristically direct. The British driver said, “Painful, I think is the right word. Yeah, I mean, it was annoying because obviously, you’re trying to get the fastest lap, but he was trying to create a gap to the guys in front to push into at the end. So, the bigger gap that he created, the bigger gap he could push into.”
“I just had to follow him around, unfortunately, and I wouldn’t get a fastest lap opportunity because as soon as I backed off to get some clean air, he would back off, and then he’d block my fastest lap attempt. So, yeah, one of those, unfortunately. As was yesterday, there’s not a whole lot I could do today.”
The challenge of a street race
When asked by Pit Debrief about balancing the urge to prove oneself with the need for caution on challenging circuits like Monaco, Browning offered an interesting perspective on street circuit racing, particularly drawing comparisons with Macau.
“I think Macau is actually quite easy to overtake. We’ve got one of the longest straights, I think, on the calendar, the longest flat-out straight. So, if you get a bad exit there at the last corner, you are going to be challenged into T1. I think that’s why Macau is so special because it’s all about creating the gap in the hill section. But equally, yeah, it’s not easy.”
However, he acknowledged the mental demands of both circuits. Browning continued, “Yeah, it’s incredibly difficult. Yeah, I think Monaco and Macau, you stare at the walls and you start to go all fuzzy. So, it takes an immense amount of concentration, but incredibly enjoyable.”
Championship implications and looking forward
Despite the frustrations, Browning remained philosophical about the result and its championship implications. The podium finish has elevated him to within striking distance of the points lead, setting up an intriguing battle for the Feature Race.
Updated Driver Standings after the Sprint 👇
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) May 24, 2025
The gap is down to one between @alexdunneracing and @LukeBrown1ng as we head into the Feature Race tomorrow where the Irish driver will start from pole 👀#F2 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/Ca2r2By4oF
When asked whether Browning thinks he’s building momentum ahead of the Feature Race, he was quick to answer. “Absolutely. Yes, I think, obviously, that’s a little bit of bad luck going our way yesterday in qualifying and having a spinner come onto our last lap. Otherwise, I think we’ve been lining up P3,” he reflected on his current championship position.
“But, equally, this is Formula 2 and, like I said before, maximising what we’ve got. You never know what can happen tomorrow. Strategy played a big part last year and I’m sure it’ll play a big part again this year if you manage to click the right thing or pick the right thing.”
Looking ahead to the Feature Race, Browning acknowledged the unpredictable nature of Monaco, where fortunes can change dramatically.
“Yes, Monaco, you can have your fair share of good luck here. I’ve had mine and, hopefully, we roll the dice again tomorrow and let’s see how it goes.”
