Formula 2, formerly known as the GP2 Series, is considered the stepping stone to Formula 1. Formula 2 is similar to Formula 1 in the sense that they both involve racing with comparable cars. In total, there are 11 teams, each with two drivers, participating in Formula 2. The overall structure and the cars have many common characteristics, but there are still many differences to be discovered between the two racing classes. In 2022, two Dutch teams are participating in Formula 2, namely MP Motorsport and Van Amersfoort Racing.Formula 2: The Stepping Stone to Formula 1 | Races, Teams, Drivers, and Exciting Three-Race Weekends
The Formula 2 teams use a standardized car, which makes the competition between teams quite equal. Essentially, all teams receive the same car, provided by chassis manufacturer Dallara. The technical differences between the teams mainly lie in the setup and tuning of the cars. Teams have various engineers with different levels of expertise and resources. As a result, teams like ART Grand Prix and Prema Racing are often faster than other teams with fewer resources, such as the Dutch team MP Motorsport.
The Formula 2 calendar typically consists of twelve races, with the feeder series accompanying the Formula 1 circus for approximately half of the events. They compete on iconic circuits such as Zandvoort, Monaco, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, and Monza. The season concludes at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Excitingly, each race weekend now includes three races instead of one, providing even more action and opportunities for drivers to showcase their skills.
In Formula 2, the races typically take place as part of the Formula 1 support program. This means that the practice sessions, qualifying, and races are held just before the corresponding Formula 1 sessions. This arrangement serves to provide a full day of racing entertainment for the attending spectators and optimize the efficiency of a Formula 2 race weekend. By having multiple racing categories on the same circuits, costs are effectively minimized.
The biggest difference between the Formula 1 and Formula 2 programs is that Formula 2 holds three races per race weekend instead of one. On Saturday, two sprint races take place, and on Sunday, there is one longer feature race. For the first sprint race, the top ten positions on the grid are reversed based on the Friday's qualifying session. For the second sprint race, the top ten positions are reversed based on the results of the first sprint race. The starting grid for the feature race is determined by the qualifying session. In 2020, there used to be one feature race on Saturday and one sprint race on Sunday.
In 2019, Nyck de Vries achieved a major milestone by becoming the champion of the Formula 2 championship after a remarkable season. Despite his success, De Vries was unable to secure a Formula 1 seat for the following year, unlike his rival Nicholas Latifi. Many Formula 2 champions make the transition to Formula 1, but De Vries had a different path. The talented driver from Friesland signed with the Mercedes team to compete in the all-electric Formula E series.
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