The Formula 2 finishing school that feeds young guns into Formula 1 had stalled in recent years. Its top graduates ended up hanging around the Grand Prix pit boxes instead of racing, kicking their heels, and living in the virtual world of an F1 simulator. However, it now seems to be doing its job again.
F1 has certainly seen its fair share of average noobs in recent years. Add to this the damage bill they presented in their fruitless pursuit of a “time”, and you can understand why the teams became “graduate shy.” Instead, they looked backwards, recalling those who had previously been cut.
Art of the possible
However, a crack appeared in the F1 talent dam’s wall when Oscar Piastri first pitched up on the grid. Impressing everyone by his instant pace, we immediately understood why there were handbags at dawn between McLaren and Alpine over his services.
Despite having been on the sidelines for a year, his highly rated teammate, Lando Norris, immediately felt the Aussie’s breath on the back of his neck. Then a series of unfortunate or fortunate events, depending on your perspective, allowed first Liam Lawson in 2023 and then Oliver Bearman in 2024 to showcase what they and F2 had in their talent bag.
Cashed out
Finally taking over the reins from Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB, the kiwi’s brief stint as the avuncular Aussie’s injury proxy in 2023 demonstrated his potential. It also sadly underlined Ricciardo’s lack of the same.
His vintage champagne had already gone flat at McLaren. If the good doctor had gotten his way, Daniel would have been dropped some time ago.
Luckily for Daniel, he was able to enjoy executive immunity, but even that privilege was exhausted in Singapore. Go on, Liam, show them what they have been missing.
Out with the old
James Vowles dispensing of the Hapless Logan Sergeant and signing of Franco Colapinto was another bold F2 move.
Yes, the Argentinian brought some money with him, but he has also brought points. On top of that, he is keeping Alex Albon honest - two things his predecessor never did. Based on what we have seen so far, Colapinto, financially, would have been a better signing than Carlos Sainz.
Kevin Magnussen is also on his bike next year, when he will be replaced permanently by Bearman. For those that thought the eighteen-year-old’s Ferrari debut in Jeddah was a flash in the pan, his performance in Baku said not.
This is fortunate for Haas, as I would expect more from Bearman next year than from his teammate, Esteban Ocon.
Wolff's folly
Finally, we have Kimi Antonelli, who will try to fill the very big shoes of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Although this year's performance would suggest he's one of the graduates that doesn’t look so promising.
F2 is currently rich in talent, and the one driver who stands out - Gabriel Bortoleto - has not been picked up. When you compare him to Antonelli, the Brazilian would seem the better bet.
Besides, if Kimi does turn out to match the hype, he’ll soon be jumping into Hamilton’s seat at Ferrari. An Italian car driven by an Italian driver, wins at Monza.
Now that’s a script that might come off.
Latest News
Loading
