Jak Crawford Triumphs in Baku: A Deep Dive into the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race

Jak Crawford, the talented American driver representing DAMS, demonstrated remarkable skill and determination during the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race held on the vibrant streets of Baku. His victory, which marked his third win of the 2025 season, was far from straightforward. Crawford’s journey to the top involved overcoming early setbacks and maintaining composure under pressure, ultimately securing a position as a serious contender in the championship standings.

The Start of the Race: A Rocky Beginning

As the race commenced, Crawford faced immediate challenges. He lost his lead at the very first corner, dropping down to third place, a situation that could have rattled many drivers. However, the 20-year-old remained focused and quickly regained his position, moving back up to second place. Reflecting on the initial moments of the race, he acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized his ability to regroup and strategize for the long race ahead.

Crawford stated, “It was not a simple race. I lost out at the start and unfortunately dropped to third, but I quickly got back up to second.” His confidence in his pace was evident as he prepared to chase down the championship leader, Leonardo Fornaroli, who was ahead of him at the time.

Mastering the Long Race Ahead

Understanding the dynamics of a Formula 2 race is crucial, especially in a challenging environment like Baku. The race is often a test of both speed and strategy, and Crawford was well aware of this. He maintained his focus on the task ahead, knowing that consistency and speed would be key factors in his performance. “I knew it was going to be a long race and I had good pace because I was slowly catching Leo,” he remarked.

The strategic elements of the race became even more pronounced during the only Safety Car period, which occurred on Lap 7. This moment provided teams and drivers with a chance to reevaluate their strategies and make critical decisions regarding pit stops. Crawford entered the pit lane in second place, trailing Fornaroli, but exited behind Gabrielle Mini of PREMA, who had executed a remarkable overtake during the pit sequence.

Overcoming Adversity: The Fight for the Lead

Despite the setback of losing track position during the pit stops, Crawford was determined to reclaim the lead. He assessed the situation and recognized that he had the pace to overtake Mini quickly. “I knew I had the pace on Gabrielle and that I could pass him in the first two laps after the Safety Car,” Crawford explained. His ability to manage tire performance was crucial, especially considering the challenging conditions presented by gusty winds that affected car handling.

The race took a turn as Crawford skillfully maneuvered his DAMS car past Mini, regaining the lead. However, the battle was far from over. The formidable Joshua Dürksen of AIX was on a charge, and Crawford found himself needing to fend off Dürksen’s advances as the race progressed. The pressure mounted as Dürksen, a strong competitor, began to close the gap.

Navigating Challenging Conditions

One of the defining aspects of the Baku race was the unpredictable weather and challenging wind conditions. Crawford shared that the strong coastal breezes posed significant difficulties for all drivers, impacting car stability and speed. He described the sensation of his DAMS machine being pushed side-to-side along the pit straight due to the winds. Additionally, a headwind on the main straight presented another challenge, creating a drop in speed that required precise driving.

“I seemed to really fire my tires up well, and that probably hurt me a bit in the end of the race where I struggled a bit more with my tires,” Crawford admitted. This type of tire management is essential in F2 racing, where the balance between speed and tire degradation can dictate the outcome of the race.

Fending Off Dürksen: A Tactical Battle

As the race entered its final stages, Crawford found himself in a tense battle with Dürksen, who was relentless in his pursuit of the lead. Despite having to contend with worn tires, Crawford employed tactical driving to maintain his advantage. He noted, “I was really strong in high-speed corners and the exits of Turns 15 and 16. I felt very strong on the brakes, like I could V-shape very well the corner.”

Crawford’s confidence in his car’s performance in certain sections of the circuit allowed him to create a buffer. By carrying significant speed through critical turns, he managed to establish a gap that proved crucial. “We were just strong in the right parts, we’ve been strong in sector three all weekend,” he remarked, highlighting his team’s consistent performance throughout the race.

The Thrilling Finish: A Victory Secured

As the checkered flag approached, the tension was palpable. Crawford had to fend off Dürksen’s final attempts to overtake, particularly on the long straights where DRS could play a decisive role. However, his strategic driving and the strengths of his DAMS car allowed him to cross the finish line just 0.2 seconds ahead of Dürksen, securing a critical victory in his championship bid.

This win was more than just a race victory; it solidified Crawford’s position as a serious title contender, moving him to second place in the championship standings, just 19 points behind the leader, Fornaroli. The significance of this achievement was not lost on Crawford, who understood the impact such victories have on the overall championship landscape.

Looking Ahead: The Championship Race

With this victory in Baku, Jak Crawford’s aspirations for the championship have been reignited. As the season progresses, he will need to build on this momentum and continue showcasing his skill and determination on the track. The experience gained from overcoming adversity in Baku will undoubtedly serve him well in the races to come.

Crawford’s performance in Baku exemplifies the resilience and tenacity required to succeed in the highly competitive environment of Formula 2 racing. As he prepares for the next challenges on the calendar, his focus will be on maintaining consistency and leveraging his strengths to continue closing the gap on the championship leader.

In conclusion, Jak Crawford’s triumph in the Baku Feature Race not only highlighted his capabilities as a driver but also underscored the unpredictability and excitement that Formula 2 racing brings. With each race presenting its own unique challenges, Crawford’s journey is just beginning as he aims for the ultimate prize: the championship title.