With two more rounds complete—at Spielberg and Silverstone—the 2025 Formula 2 Championship has taken another compelling turn. A season that began with early momentum from Richard Verschoor has now exploded into a multi-driver title brawl, as young talents rise to the occasion while seasoned frontrunners face new challenges. From Leonardo Fornaroli’s long-awaited maiden victory to standout FP1 performances from rising stars, the summer double-header left plenty to dissect. FIA F2 CEO Bruno Michel weighed in with his thoughts on recent developments in the 2025 Spielberg and Silverstone Rounds, highlighting both the raw talent on display and the unpredictable dynamics shaping the championship fight.
F1 FP1: A proving ground for future stars
The inclusion of F2 drivers in Formula 1 Free Practice sessions remains a crucial bridge between the junior and senior formulas. Spielberg and Silverstone offered further evidence that the current generation is ready to make that leap.
“Firstly, Alex Dunne had an amazing result in FP1 on Friday in Spielberg. It’s always a great pleasure to see that—that’s what we’re here for—preparing young drivers for F1.”
The Irishman’s composed performance behind the wheel of an F1 car impressed observers, and importantly, didn’t go unnoticed in the paddock.
“It’s always fantastic when you see a young driver jumping in an F1 car during a Grand Prix for Free Practice and being immediately spot on—which is always difficult because you can’t crash the car, and you can’t push as much as you want, not being used to it.”
“I told him that everybody’s talking about him in the Formula 1 paddock, and I think that’s the way it should be. We’re really happy to see that.”
Silverstone saw the spotlight shift to another prodigy: Arvid Lindblad. The Red Bull junior, and the youngest driver on the 2025 F2 grid, got his first taste of F1 machinery and rose to the challenge admirably.
“At Silverstone, our youngest driver on the F2 grid, Arvid Lindblad, got the opportunity to jump into the Red Bull car, and I think he did a really great job, too. He was against Max Verstappen and was close to the Dutch Champion in terms of laptimes. We must not forget that it was Lindblad’s first time in that car.”
Tangible signs of F2’s success
As Michel rightly points out, these FP1 moments are not just symbolic—they serve as tangible signs that F2 is fulfilling its mission.
“Overall, it’s great to see the young drivers getting a chance with Formula 1 teams. It shows that they are placing their trust in their junior drivers who are learning what they need to and being prepared correctly in Formula 2. Long may it continue.”
Fornaroli’s breakthrough: A win that was long overdue
Leonardo Fornaroli finally etched his name into the F2 winners’ list at Silverstone, delivering a poised and intelligent drive to claim victory in the Sprint Race. It was a long time coming for the Italian, who has frequently shown speed but hadn’t yet translated it into top-step success.
“I am so happy for Leonardo Fornaroli, who secured his first F2 victory at Silverstone with a great drive in the Sprint Race to earn the win. He might have lost the lead at the start, but the way he re-took it was very impressive, and he was driving at the top of his game.”
Even before Silverstone, Fornaroli had already proven his one-lap pace, securing pole position in Spielberg—his second of the season.
“Spielberg marked Fornaroli’s second time on pole position this year, which proves, if need be, that he is a fast driver. He showed it in F3 last year, too.”
That combination of pace and perseverance finally paid off, and the pressure visibly lifted.
“He had been missing a win for a while, and I’m sure that frustrated him and weighed heavy on the shoulders. But he had a great weekend in Silverstone and was fully deserving of his maiden win. It will be interesting to see whether he is able to follow it up with another victory soon, maybe in a Feature Race.”
The trajectory is there—and now, with confidence boosted, Fornaroli may become a consistent contender through the final rounds.
Pure racing at its finest
Beyond the personal milestones, the quality of racing throughout Spielberg and Silverstone earned widespread praise—including from the Formula 1 paddock. Sunday’s Feature Race at the Red Bull Ring, in particular, was a showcase of strategic brilliance, comeback drives, and raw wheel-to-wheel action.
“Championship leader Richard Verschoor had an amazing race on Sunday in Spielberg, and he was really flying. Alex Dunne also had a great race, and we had a few drivers that had a very strong comeback, like Jak Crawford who came from nowhere, as did Luke Browning.”
The excitement did not fade at Silverstone either. Weather played a crucial role once again, adding unpredictability and opening the door for charging drives from deep on the grid.
“Silverstone Feature was the same—Crawford and Dunne were fighting close as the track dried, and Browning in particular put in a great drive to make it to the podium from P12. He was really shining in the rain and made up for a disappointing Qualifying result.”
Tyre strategy, in particular, drew attention—something F2 prides itself on as a developmental stepping stone to F1.
“It’s amazing when you have these kinds of fights for the podium, for first, second and third positions, with the degradation and the tyre management the drivers need to have—Pirelli has done a great job as usual. Everyone’s happy to see that, and I think the drivers are really enjoying themselves right now.”
A Championship too close to call
Despite losing out in Silverstone, Richard Verschoor remains at the top of the Drivers’ Championship heading into Spa. But the margins are shrinking, and the challengers are gaining ground. With just four rounds to go, the championship is wide open.
“Verschoor is having a great Championship so far, even if he had a tougher time last week at Silverstone. Between him, Dunne, Crawford, Browning, Fornaroli and Lindblad, any one of them could take the lead before the summer break.”
Verschoor, with his experience and racecraft, continues to be the benchmark—but the younger generation is learning fast and getting closer with every round.
“It’s a very interesting Championship, and I think for these young drivers to be able to compare themselves with Richard, with his experience, and the fact he’s probably driving better than he’s ever done—it’s really great, but also important as he is this season’s benchmark.”
No fewer than six drivers are now in realistic contention, and the upcoming rounds at Spa and Monza will play a decisive role in shaping the outcome.
Onto the next stop at Spa-Francorchamps
As the paddock heads to Belgium for another double-header, the stakes have never been higher. Spa, with its high-speed layout and famously changeable weather, is bound to add more chaos—and more opportunity. With the title fight heating up and the talent pool deeper than ever, the 2025 F2 season promises an electrifying conclusion.
