Hi, everyone! I’m very excited for the return of F1, F2 and F3 this weekend in Bahrain. Here I’m previewing this much anticipated season of F2. This year’s grid features several promising talents – both new and returning. I’m going to spotlight seven drivers I’ll be looking out for the most this season.

1. Victor Martins

Overlooking Victor Martins as a title contender this season would be a mistake. The 2022 F3 champion continued to showcase the extent of his abilities last year. Remaining at ART for his second season in F2, the partnership should be stronger than ever.

As an Alpine Academy member, the support he receives from the F1 team should help him achieve strong results this season.

The year before Martins won the F3 title, he finished fifth in the series. Last year, he finished fifth overall in F2. Taking a season to settle before making a go at the title seems to be a pattern for Martins. That may just be the case this season.

2. Zak O’Sullivan

Teams’ Champions ART were incredibly strong last year. With their driver pairing of Martins and O’Sullivan, I believe those triumphs should continue into this season.

A GB3 title holder and P2 last year in F3, O’Sullivan carries good experience entering F2. His earlier junior career is similarly impressive, with 2nd places in the British F4 and the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championships.

The backing of F1 teams through the creation of driver academies allows junior drivers to benefit from F1 practice sessions and simulator training. O’Sullivan is a member of Williams Driver Academy, which should prove especially valuable in his rookie year.

While I believe O’Sullivan should thrive more in a potential second season, he’ll be one to watch at ART.

3. Oliver Bearman

Through the years, Prema Racing have had plenty of talented driver line-ups. From Charles Leclerc to Pierre Gasly, the team has a reputation of success.

Both Bearman and Antonelli’s futures are the subject of much discussion. Many speculate that in 2025, Bearman will be racing in F1 for Haas and Antonelli is linked with Williams and even Mercedes.

2023 was a standout year for Bearman, finishing his rookie F2 season sixth. Those who watched last season will remember his incredible performance at Baku – taking pole position as well as winning both the sprint and feature races. With a total of 4 wins, Bearman finished the season with more wins than Drivers’ Champion Pourchaire. In addition, Bearman entered two FP1 sessions with Haas.

If his consistency improves this season, I expect Bearman to be a title contender at Prema.

Earlier this month, he was confirmed as an F1 reserve driver at both Ferrari and Haas. It’s been announced that he will take part in 6 FP1 sessions with Haas, which should consequently aid his progress in F2.

4. Andrea Kimi Antonelli

In the four years I’ve been following F1, I don’t think there’s ever been a driver with so much hype. Pundits are comparing the expectations around Antonelli to those surrounding a young Max Verstappen. But if you’ve watched him race, or read his record, you know it’s justified.

Making the jump from the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) to F2 will be difficult. But Antonelli is joining F2 in a year where experience may be less important, due to the newly redesigned cars. Picking up consistent podiums should be a target for Antonelli – potentially a couple of wins too.

If you want to read more about Kimi, check out my article – ‘Kimi Antonelli: The Future of Mercedes F1’.

5. Zane Maloney

Like Bearman and Martins, Maloney also enters his second year remaining at the same team. Last season at Rodin Motorsport, he finished tenth. Consistency was an issue for Maloney, at one point going five races without scoring points. In a short championship like Formula 2, it’s challenging to place well if you’re not continually at the front of the grid. With added experience though, Maloney is predicted to be a high finisher this season.

6. Ritomo Miyata

Perhaps one of the most anticipated drivers?

Miyata is a double F4 Japanese Champion and holds the titles in Super Formula Lights, Super Formula and Super GT. The latter two he won last year – in the same season.

He’s a highly regarded talent and his transition into F2 should be interesting. With a team like Rodin Motorsport, their expertise should ease the switch.

It’s hard to place any expectations on Miyata, as he’s not undergone the traditional route through to F2. But from his successes in competitive championships like Super Formula, I’m not counting him out of the fight.

7. Dennis Hauger

The 2021 F3 Champion enters his third F2 season, having chosen to stay at MP Motorsport for a second year. Hopefully with this choice, Hauger can capitalise on the potential he showed at times last year.

The last two F2 Champions have been drivers in their third seasons. Who’s to say that Hauger can’t do the same?

---

There were a few other drivers I wanted to feature, but I had to keep the article (relatively) concise. Looking forward to being back in racing season!

Cover Image Credit: racingcircuits.info