The 2025 FIA F2 Championship is rapidly approaching its climax, with a fiercely competitive field of drivers vying for one of motorsport’s most coveted stepping stones to F1. This season has seen a thrilling mix of emerging talent and established contenders, each bringing their own strengths, challenges, and moments of brilliance to the grid. From championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli’s commanding consistency to the relentless pursuits of Jak Crawford, Richard Verschoor, Luke Browning, Alex Dunne, Pepe Martí, and Arvid Lindblad, the battle for the title promises to go down to the wire. As the championship enters its final four rounds, every point matters, and each driver’s trajectory could shape the future of motorsport’s next generation of stars.
Leonardo Fornaroli
Written by: Lena Ferle
Leonardo Fornaroli has emerged as the clear favourite to win the F2 championship this season, his recent run of form placing him firmly in command of the title battle. With only four race weekends remaining, the Italian leads the standings with 154 points, a 17-point advantage over Jak Crawford. While such a gap is not unassailable, the momentum currently lies entirely in his favour, and his recent performances suggest that he is only becoming stronger as the season progresses.
Fornaroli’s campaign has been defined by a balance of outright pace, strategic intelligence, and the ability to deliver under pressure. Each element has played a role in his rise to the top of the table, and his consistency has been a key weapon against a competitive field.
A masterclass in Hungary
His maiden Feature Race victory at the Hungarian GP showcased every quality required of a championship contender. Starting behind team-mate Roman Stanek, Fornaroli demonstrated patience in the opening stages before using sharp racecraft and an astute pit-stop strategy to seize the lead.
The drama intensified when he received a five-second penalty for pit-lane speeding. Rather than allowing the setback to unsettle him, Fornaroli increased his pace without over-stressing his tyres, pulling out a lead of more than seven seconds by the chequered flag. The victory marked his third win in as many weekends, underlining both confidence and consistency at a decisive point in the season.
Adaptability as a winning weapon
While Fornaroli’s raw speed is clear, it is his adaptability that has made him such a formidable opponent. He has excelled in varying track conditions and changing race scenarios, responding with composure whether defending a position, executing an overcut, or taking advantage of rivals’ errors.
His Invicta Racing team has played a crucial role in this success. The outfit leads the Teams’ Championship and has consistently put both cars in podium contention. This strength in depth has given Fornaroli the strategic freedom to maximise results without overextending in high-risk situations.
The chasing pack faces a tall order
Crawford, Verschoor, and Browning remain mathematically capable of challenging for the title, but they will require a shift in fortune. Fornaroli would need to make significant mistakes in the final rounds for the balance of power to change, and his current form suggests that such a collapse is improbable.
With Monza, Baku, Lusail, and Abu Dhabi still to come, each circuit presents unique challenges, but all are opportunities for Fornaroli to strengthen his position further. As the season enters its final stretch, Fornaroli’s composure, adaptability, and momentum provide him with a decisive edge. The championship is no longer simply his to lose; it is his to secure.
Jak Crawford
Written by: Alexa Obligar
Jak Crawford’s position as second in the 2025 F3 Championship standings may surprise some, given his slow start to the season. The American failed to score points in his first five races, making it difficult to consider him a strong contender early on. However, everything changed when he secured pole position in Jeddah. Two days later, Crawford earned his first podium of the year, signalling a decisive shift in momentum.
From that point, Crawford built impressive consistency, scoring points in every race leading up to the European triple-header. At Imola, he claimed his first Sprint Race victory of the 2025 campaign, further establishing himself as a serious challenger.
Key wins and challenges
Crawford’s first Feature Race win was as unexpected as it was pivotal. Despite numerous safety car periods and retirements, he executed a well-timed pit-stop strategy to win the Monaco Feature Race from fourth on the grid. His victory drew comparisons to former DAMS driver Zak O’Sullivan’s surprise Monaco win the previous year, when a perfectly timed pit stop allowed him to leap ahead of championship favourite Isack Hadjar.
He followed that up with a commanding Feature Race victory at Silverstone in wet conditions, further cementing his status as a title contender. Although his weekend at Spa-Francorchamps was difficult and hampered his momentum, Crawford quickly returned to form with a strong podium finish in Budapest.
Focused on the Championship
Currently holding a slim two-point advantage over Verschoor and chasing championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli, Crawford remains focused and determined. His consistent points haul and strategic approach give him multiple opportunities to close the gap. As the season enters its final four rounds, Crawford is poised to push hard to achieve his ultimate goal: securing the top spot in the F2 standings.
Richard Verschoor
Written by: Ana-Maria Andronic
After four years of inching closer and closer to that F2 championship trophy, Richard Verschoor’s fifth year could finally bring him that well-deserved victory. The Dutchman started his F2 campaign in 2021, and since then, he’s been perfecting his drive each year. His 2025 return to MP Motorsport helped him immensely, and the points he gathered so far clearly showcase that.
Currently, the battle in the top 3 is tight. Only two points separate Verschoor from second place in the F2 championship, with 135 points under his belt heading towards Monza. While the latest rounds were not such an easy challenge for the 24-year-old, the driver remained positive. He showed incredible potential throughout races so far, not letting anything get in the way of his goal.
A promising start in 2025
The switch back to his maiden team proved to be the right move for the Dutchman. The familiar environment had Verschoor position himself as a strong contender for the F2 championship. Some early momentum put him in the key place for improvement, growing his confidence. After winning two Feature Races already, in Saudi Arabia and Austria, he holds more wins than the F2 championship leader, Leonardo Fornaroli.
The beginning of the season had him start with great potential over his competitors. After that initial push, he claimed his first win of the season in the third round around Jeddah. Meanwhile, Imola and Monaco put a bit of a damper on his point gain, with a cumulative of 6 points in total.
Yet, he came back stronger in Barcelona. There, he not only won the Sprint Race, but also rose up the grid to finish P3 in the Feature. Verschoor performed an absolute masterclass in strategy with a risky strategy call, which emphasised his years of experience, as well as the talent necessary to become an F2 championship winner.
The climb to the top
Proving he is capable of carrying on that momentum from one weekend to another, the 24-year-old went on to claim his second Feature win in Austria. What might have been Verschoor’s finest weekend yet, he finally secured the lead of the F2 championship.
Nevertheless, some of the latest races had him struggling again. But what is a championship win without some hardships along the way? With one of his favourite rounds approaching, the Monza GP, his chances of winning are still intact.
By harnessing the lessons he has learned over the years and keeping his drive clean, Richard Verschoor will get his chance. That sought-after title of F2 Champion will prove to be difficult. However, Verschoor has both the experience and the skill to take it home.
Luke Browning
Written by: Shermaine Wong
The 2025 F2 season marks Luke Browning’s first full campaign in the series. The Briton had made his debut the previous year, stepping in for Zak O’Sullivan at the final three rounds and immediately impressing, particularly with a strong showing in Baku. By the conclusion of the 2024 season, Browning had placed 26th in the standings with seven points to his name. His promising introduction created high expectations for 2025, both from himself and from the wider paddock.
A strong start down under
Browning wasted no time in delivering. Driving for Hitech TGR as part of the Williams Driver Academy, he began his first full season with a podium finish in the Sprint Race at Albert Park. That maiden podium in Australia set the tone for the campaign. By the conclusion of round ten, he had added six more podium finishes, establishing himself as one of the most consistent point scorers on the grid.
Consistency over victory
Although Browning remains the only driver in the top five of the standings without a race win so far, he has compensated for the absence of victories with relentless consistency. After ten rounds, he has yet to leave a race weekend without scoring points, registering results in at least the Sprint or Feature Race at every event. This ability to collect points week after week has kept him firmly in the championship fight.
A case study in Monaco
One of Browning’s most impressive performances came at the notoriously difficult Monaco GP. Overtaking is rare on the narrow, twisting streets of Monte Carlo, and a ninth-place qualifying result offered little promise of a podium. However, Browning delivered an outstanding drive, executing several bold overtakes in the Feature Race to finish fourth. While he narrowly missed the podium, the haul of points proved vital and demonstrated both his skill and adaptability.
A serious contender for the title
Browning’s season has been defined by speed, racecraft, and an unyielding determination to extract the maximum from every situation. He currently holds fourth place in the championship standings with 125 points, only 29 behind leader Leonardo Fornaroli. If he maintains his consistency and continues to adapt to each race’s demands, the Briton could yet close that gap and mount a genuine title challenge.
Alex Dunne
Written by Milla Fuchs
Alex Dunne, the young Irish driver, has made rapid progress in his single-seater career, particularly in the 2025 F2 season. On track, Dunne has demonstrated exceptional speed and racecraft, often dominating races despite setbacks caused by post-race penalties that have prevented him from fully capitalising on his performances. As a McLaren Development Programme driver racing with Rodin Motorsport, he has impressed observers with his maturity and skill, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about prospects on the grid.
Dominant performances and championship lead
Dunne’s maiden Feature Race victory came in Bahrain, where he set the tone for the season ahead. At the Sakhir circuit, he produced a commanding performance, crossing the line eight seconds ahead of runner-up Luke Browning. This dominant win announced his arrival as a serious championship contender. However, his strongest weekend of the season came later at Imola, where he scored 29 points, including his second Feature Race win of the year. His stellar showing there propelled him into the championship lead, which he held by six points following the round.
Impressive F1 debut
In addition to his F2 exploits, Dunne also made a notable impression during his F1 debut at the Austrian GP, where he impressed by posting the fourth-fastest time on track. This performance only served to underline his potential and readiness for the top tier of motorsport.
Resilience amid adversity
Dunne’s season has not been without challenges. In Barcelona, he showed resilience and speed despite adversity. He was second fastest in practice with a time of 1:27.425, qualified fifth, and finished second in the Sprint Race. However, a 10-place grid penalty forced him to start the Feature Race from 19th on the grid. Even so, Dunne battled back to finish fifth, setting the fastest lap of the race despite serving an additional three-place grid penalty for the following event.
Championship contender
Such determination and ability to recover quickly from setbacks demonstrate Dunne’s mental strength and competitiveness—qualities essential for a championship campaign. With a combination of raw pace, racecraft, and resilience, Alex Dunne has proven himself a formidable contender for the 2025 F2 title. Given his performances so far this season, he fully deserves to be considered one of the leading candidates to claim the F3 Championship crown.
Pepe Martí
Written by: Yi Xing Lim
During his rookie campaign, Pepe Martí faced numerous retirements, many beyond his control. These setbacks hindered his ability to score consistently. However, in his second season, the young Spaniard has shown significant improvement, maintaining a more consistent points haul.
Sprint Race specialist
Martí’s strength lies in Sprint races, where he has claimed three victories this season. His quick reaction times off the line often allow him to gain multiple positions in the opening moments of a race. This skill was particularly evident in Bahrain, where he converted a strong start into a Sprint race win. To date, Martí has won four Sprint races but is yet to secure a victory in a Feature Race on Sundays.
Qualifying holds the key
Martí’s biggest challenge in 2025 has been Qualifying. Compared to his closest rivals, his struggles to set top grid positions have frequently forced him to fight through the field on Sundays. Despite his strong race pace—demonstrated in his intense battle with Rodin Motorsport’s Alex Dunne for the Sprint win at the Hungarian GP—his qualifying performance remains a limiting factor. Improving in this area is crucial if he is to regularly score substantial points on Feature Race day.
Tight battle with teammate Lindblad
Martí’s rivalry with his Campos Racing teammate and fellow Red Bull Junior, Arvid Lindblad, has been closely fought. They are tied for Sprint wins this season, with Lindblad holding a slight 5-4 advantage in Feature Races. Martí has often managed to fight his way into the top ten from difficult starting positions, but he has openly acknowledged the need to improve his qualifying results to elevate his overall championship challenge.
Looking ahead to the final rounds
With just four rounds remaining, Martí still has time to mount a late charge up the standings. Currently, the 20-year-old leads Lindblad by a narrow five points, a margin likely helped by Lindblad’s recent post-race penalties. To pose a serious challenge to the drivers above him, Martí will need to consistently score large points hauls and improve his qualifying to ensure better starting positions on Sundays.
Arvid Lindblad
Written by: Shania Wallage
Arvid Lindblad currently sits seventh in the 2025 FIA F2 standings. With four rounds remaining and plenty of points still available, he remains in the title fight. The rookie made an immediate impact this season by claiming his maiden F2 victory in Round 3, winning the Jeddah Sprint Race. In doing so, he became the youngest winner in the history of the series.
Lindblad did not stop there. At Barcelona, he secured his first F2 pole position, becoming the second-youngest polesitter in series history. He then converted this achievement into a commanding Feature Race victory at Campos Racing’s home circuit, further establishing his status as a serious championship contender. By the conclusion of Round 6, Lindblad was third in the driver standings.
Recent struggles and penalties
However, the last few rounds have been difficult for Lindblad. Since his Feature Race win in Barcelona, he has scored just 13 points. His weekend in Austria was particularly challenging, where he qualified twelfth and dropped three grid places due to an impeding incident involving Jak Crawford. In the Sprint Race, Lindblad was caught up in a chaotic first-lap incident that forced him to retire. Additionally, he received a 10-second penalty in the Feature Race for a collision with Goethe. By the end of the weekend, he had slipped to sixth in the championship.
His difficulties continued in Belgium, where a series of penalties led to him missing out on points in the Sprint Race and being disqualified after finishing second in the Feature Race.
Still in the title hunt
Despite these setbacks, Lindblad’s rookie season has been notable for his impressive pace and historic milestones. With four rounds remaining, he remains mathematically in contention for the championship. He will be looking to capitalise on the remaining races to accumulate vital points and strengthen his challenge for the title.
With only a handful of rounds remaining in the 2025 F2 season, the championship battle is poised on a knife edge. Leonardo Fornaroli currently holds the advantage, but the gap to his rivals is narrow enough to keep hopes alive for contenders like Jak Crawford, Richard Verschoor, and the rest of the talented pack. Each driver has demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and determination throughout the season, making the final races a captivating spectacle of racing strategy, speed, and mental strength. As they prepare to tackle circuits like Monza, Baku, Lusail, and Abu Dhabi, one thing is certain: the fight for the F2 crown will be fiercely contested until the very last lap.
Co-Author: Karishma Persad
