In a spectacular F2 Feature Race at the 2025 Imola GP, Luke Browning secured an impressive second-place finish behind Alex Dunne, demonstrating the measured approach that has earned him four podiums already this season. The Hitech driver’s performance helped secure a double podium for the team, with pole-sitter Dino Beganovic completing the top three.
A successful pit stop strategy during the F2 Imola GP
Speaking to the media, including Pit Debrief after the race, Browning displayed characteristic humility about his result. “Honestly, I think it was probably where we deserve to be today. That’s probably where our pace ended up. I don’t think we would have caught Alex at the end,” he admitted.
The Williams Academy driver emphasised how pivotal the pit stop strategy had been to his success. “Actually, it was a very interesting race. I think, like Alex, the pit stop got us to that position and that overcut lap, that was maximum push. That was, I think, one of the best laps I’ve ever done,” Browning revealed.
“The management of the race was very important after the pit stop. We were in between the prime starters, who to keep in DRS and who not, and who to attack at the right time and to not get caught up in incidents, I think was the key in the race,” he explained.
According to Browning, the F2 Imola GP wasn’t without its complications. When asked about an on-track battle with teammate Dino Beganovic following the pit stops, Browning acknowledged the delicate balance required when racing against a fellow Hitech driver.
“Obviously, it’s difficult with teammates because naturally, you want the best for each other, but equally, you’re fighting for your own career. Unfortunate contact today, but it is what it is,” he said, diplomatically addressing the incident.
Championship mindset
Despite having secured multiple podiums this season, Browning remains focused on the bigger picture rather than chasing individual race wins. When asked if he felt his maiden F2 victory was approaching, his response revealed a mature championship mentality.
“Honestly, I don’t mind. I won enough last year, and it didn’t get me the championship. Yes, I’m after the best end championship result that we can get. If that’s consistently not winning, but consistently picking up points, I’m happy with that,” Browning stated.
Technical insights
Offering rare technical insight into one of the most challenging aspects of F2 racing, Browning explained the complexities of race starts following the stalls that affected Sebastián Montoya and Victor Martins.
“The way the start works, for the viewers at home, is you have two clutch paddles, and you drop one to a certain buy point. So it’s like a fixed number that the team set, and they choose the percentage. So a bit too aggressive when the fault of the drivers,” he detailed.
“That’s where you got to work on in between FP [Free Practice], quali and the practice starts done throughout the year to try and get as close to the limit of stalling as possible, because naturally that’s the quickest way, but also be consistent and not risk stalling,” Browning added, highlighting the fine margins in Formula 2 racing.
Imola appreciation
When asked about racing at the historic Imola circuit, Browning’s passion for traditional racing venues was evident. “I love this place. Not only for the…it’s a bit weird doing a track walk when you walk around knowing the history that it has. It’s a bit eerie,” he reflected, acknowledging the circuit’s poignant past.
“This place, it’s Formula 1. It’s what gives that raw adrenaline when you’re on the qualifying lap. It’s what, in the race, it feels bumpy, and it’s undulating, and it just feels great, and it’s one of the race weekends where I smile driving around,” Browning enthused.
With a hint of nostalgia, he added, “We’re getting less and less tracks like that now, maybe with a little bit less history, so it’s really nice for these rounds to remain.”
