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Gabriel Bortoleto Crowned F2 Champion in Abu Dhabi Thriller as Hadjar’s Title Hopes Stall

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Gabriel Bortoleto Crowned F2 Champion in Abu Dhabi Thriller as Hadjar’s Title Hopes Stall

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 8, 2024 Invicta Racing's Gabriel Bortoleto celebrates after winning the Formula Two world championship REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

Gabriel Bortoleto sealed the 2024 Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship in dramatic fashion at the Abu Dhabi Feature Race, triumphing over title rival Isack Hadjar after a disastrous stall on the grid ended Hadjar’s title challenge before it even began.

The Brazilian driver clinched the crown with a second-place finish, while Joshua Durksen claimed his second win of the season in a race full of twists, strategic gambles, and heartbreak.


Hadjar’s Title Hopes Stalled

Starting from third, Hadjar knew that a victory would keep his championship dreams alive. But as the lights went out, disaster struck when his Campos Racing car failed to launch. By the time he recovered, he was a lap down, leaving him out of contention for the championship.

Devastated, Hadjar voiced his frustration over team radio, calling the moment “the worst of my life.” Despite setting the fastest lap, his efforts to unlap himself and fight back proved futile as he was repeatedly overtaken by race leaders.


Durksen Steals the Show

While Bortoleto focused on securing his title, Joshua Durksen stole the limelight by executing a flawless race to claim victory. Starting behind Bortoleto, Durksen’s strategy saw him overtake the Brazilian and Victor Martins after the pit stops to cruise to victory with a commanding lead.


Bortoleto’s Calculated Drive to Glory

Bortoleto played it safe, knowing a strong finish would guarantee the title. After taking the lead on Lap 1, he managed his race carefully, even as he reported brake issues to his team. When Durksen surged past him post-pit stops, Bortoleto shifted focus to securing second place, overtaking Martins on Lap 29 and cruising home as the new F2 champion.

The ecstatic Brazilian shouted “Let’s go!” over the team radio, celebrating a dominant season that saw him rise from Formula 3 champion to F2 kingpin in just two years.


Verschoor’s Alternative Strategy Pays Off

Richard Verschoor showcased his strategic prowess, climbing through the field with an alternative strategy to claim third. After pitting late, Verschoor surged past several drivers, including Martins, to snatch the final podium spot with a series of blistering laps.


Final Classification

  1. Joshua Durksen (AIX Racing)
  2. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber-bound, F2 Champion)
  3. Richard Verschoor
  4. Victor Martins (Pole sitter, fell short after a slow start)
  5. Oliver Bearman
  6. Josep Maria Marti (Recovered from a near-miss in the pits)
  7. Dino Beganovic
  8. Amaury Cordeel
  9. Oliver Goethe
  10. Ritomo Miyata

A Season to Remember

Bortoleto’s victory caps a stunning season of consistency, highlighted by impressive wins and calculated drives. His rise through the ranks, from F3 champion to F2 victor, solidifies his status as a star of the future as he prepares to join Sauber in Formula 1 next year.

For Hadjar, the heartbreak in Abu Dhabi closes the chapter on a promising but ultimately unlucky season. While his dreams were dashed at the final hurdle, his raw talent and determination ensure he’ll remain a key contender in the years to come.

As the F2 season concludes, all eyes now turn to Bortoleto’s future in Formula 1, where the newly crowned champion will look to carry his momentum onto the sport’s biggest stage.

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