Written by Tiana Soans, Edited by Sean McKean
Formula 2 is often regarded as one of the final steps before Formula 1 or other top-tier motorsport categories. However, the past three champions have had extremely different paths following their successful season. With Formula 2 set to crown a champion in 2024, let’s take a look at past winners and where they are today!
2023: Théo Pourchaire
Théo Pourchaire won the Formula 2 title in his third year in the championship. In 2022, he was in a championship battle with Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, but ultimately lost out in that challenge. This was a learning experience for Pourchaire, and he ultimately learne lessons which were vital in the following year which saw him clinch the title.
Pourchaire did not have a Formula 1 seat lined up for 2024 following his championship win. With the Formula 1 grid remaining the same as the year prior, he became the Sauber reserve driver whilst competing in the Super Formula championship.
However, his Super Formula commitments were cut short when the Frenchman stepped in for the injured David Malukas at the IndyCar Grand Prix of Long Beach, driving for Arrow McLaren. Pourchaire continued to replace Malukas and was signed for the remainder of the IndyCar season except the Indy 500.
However, this IndyCar stint was also short- lived, as he was released by Arrow McLaren in early July.
With the Sauber seat given to Gabriel Bortoleto, it is unlikely that the French Driver will get a shot at Formula 1 until 2026, when an 11th team enters the grid.
2022: Felipe Drugovich
Felipe Drugovich also won the championship in his third year of Formula 2. After a thrilling championship battle, the Brazilian managed to claim the championship in the penultimate round in Monza. He was quickly signed to the Aston Martin junior team following this victory.
Drugovich became the Aston Martin test and reserve driver for 2023, coupled with a reserve and test driver role for Maserati MSG Racing in Formula E. He took part in the rookie test during the Berlin E-Prix – gaining his first race weekend experience of the year..
In 2024, Drugovich returned to racing in the European Le Mans Series. Drugovich ended the campaign in 15th place in the standings, with a podium during the 4 Hours of Imola. He was replaced for the penultimate round of the season, though.
However, similarly to Pourchaire, Drugovich has been overlooked for a potential Aston Martin seat, with Alonso and Stroll set to be at the team for the foreseeable future.
2021: Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri won the Formula 2 championship in his rookie season in 2021. He came off a wildly successful season in F3 the year prior, managing to clinch the championship in that championship as well, making him the first driver to win back-to-back championships in Formula 3 and 2.
However, this success did not guarantee him an F1 seat for the 2022 season. Being signed to the Alpine team’s junior academy, the Australian was stuck behind the pairing of Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon. Having to sit out of competitive mMotorsport for a year, Piastri was looking for a way into the sport, as he likely would spend another year on the sidelines.!
During the summer break of 2022, Alpine made a false announcement about signing the Australian, and Oscar Piastri signed with the McLaren Racing team a few tweets later for the 2023 season. A season that started rocky, with him retiring in his first Grand Prix.
However, since then McLaren has been improving vastly, with the Australian having two race wins and two sprint race victories under his belt in his short time in the sport.
Piastri is one of the stars of the Formula 1 grid and has definitely demonstrated the potential shown in Formula 2 and 3.
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