On Saturday, March 19, 2025, Arvid Lindblad claimed victory in the Sprint race during the third round of the 2025 Formula 2 season. The Campos Racing driver crossed the finish line second at the Corniche Circuit in Jeddah, but a five-second penalty imposed on Richard Verschoor, who had been leading the race after 20 laps, allowed Lindblad to secure his first win in the series. This remarkable achievement made him the youngest driver to ever win a race in Formula 2.
Josep María Martí, Lindblad’s teammate at Campos Racing, finished in second place, just 0.578 seconds behind Lindblad. Alexander Dunne from Rodin Racing rounded out the podium in third place, while Verschoor ended up in fourth with MP Motorsport after receiving a penalty for forcing Martí off the track early in the race. Roman Stanek, competing with Invicta, completed the top five.
Gabriele Mini, driving for Prema, secured the sixth position after engaging in multiple battles, cutting the first chicane of the slightly over six-kilometer track at least four times. Leonardo Fornaroli from Invicta finished seventh, followed by Victor Martins in eighth place, representing ART Grand Prix and rounding out the points-scoring positions. The top ten was completed by Luke Browning from Hitech and Kush Maini from DAMS.
The race was marked by an early intervention from the Virtual Safety Car due to an incident on the very first lap. Cian Shields crashed into the wall shortly after the start, having locked up his tires to avoid a collision, which led to contact with Rafael Villagómez. Later in the race, on lap 16, Jak Crawford attempted to overtake Gabriele Mini but spun out, resulting in another Safety Car deployment.
The Formula 2 series will conclude its visit to Saudi Arabia with the main race set to take place on Sunday, March 20, with the start time scheduled for 10:25 AM.
Here are the results from the Sprint race of Formula 2 in Saudi Arabia:
1. Arvid Lindblad (Campos Racing)
2. Josep María Martí (Campos Racing)
3. Alexander Dunne (Rodin)
4. Richard Verschoor (MP Motorsport)
5. Roman Stanek (Invicta)
6. Gabriele Mini (Prema)
7. Leonardo Fornaroli (Invicta)
8. Victor Martins (ART Grand Prix)
9. Luke Browning (Hitech)
10. Kush Maini (DAMS)
11. Oliver Goethe (MP Motorsport)
12. Joshua Durksen (AIX Racing)
13. Sebastian Montoya (Prema)
14. Amaury Cordeel (Rodin)
15. Dino Beganovic (Hitech)
16. Sami Meguetounif (Trident)
17. Rafael Villagómez (Van Amersfoort)
18. Ritomo Miyata (ART Grand Prix)
19. Max Esterson (Trident)
20. John Bennett (Van Amersfoort)
Notably, Jak Crawford (DAMS) and Cian Shields (AIX Racing) did not finish the race.
In the context of the Formula 2 championship, Lindblad’s victory is a significant milestone not only for him but also for the Campos Racing team, showcasing their competitive edge in the 2025 season. The young driver’s performance throughout the race demonstrated skill and resilience, especially in a challenging environment like the Jeddah circuit, known for its high-speed straights and technical corners.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit itself is a stunning venue that combines the beauty of the Red Sea coastline with a challenging layout that tests the drivers’ abilities. This street circuit is characterized by its narrow segments and high-speed sections, making it a thrilling spectacle for both participants and fans.
As the season progresses, the competition in Formula 2 heats up, with drivers like Lindblad and his teammate Martí showcasing their potential to be future stars in motorsport. The camaraderie within the Campos Racing team is evident, as they support each other in their pursuits on the track. The strategic decisions made by the team’s engineers and pit crew also play a crucial role in their performance, particularly in navigating penalties and race incidents.
The Sprint race results indicate a competitive field, with multiple teams like Rodin Racing and Prema also showing strong performances. With drivers like Alexander Dunne and Gabriele Mini consistently finishing in the top positions, the battle for points will be intense as the season unfolds.
Looking ahead to the main race on March 20, all eyes will be on the drivers as they aim to capitalize on their momentum from the Sprint race. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, especially for those who may have missed out on points in the earlier race. The combination of skill, strategy, and perhaps a bit of luck will determine who emerges victorious in the main event.
Fans and enthusiasts of Formula 2 are eagerly anticipating the next round of action, as each race not only contributes to the championship standings but also provides an opportunity for drivers to showcase their talent and determination on an international stage. The thrill of the competition, coupled with the potential for unexpected outcomes, ensures that the 2025 Formula 2 season remains an exciting spectacle for all involved.
As the teams prepare for the main race, the actions taken in the Sprint race will undoubtedly influence strategies moving forward. Whether it involves tire management, pit stop timing, or defensive driving, every aspect of racecraft will be scrutinized as drivers aim for the podium.
The 2025 Formula 2 season is shaping up to be one for the books, with young talents like Arvid Lindblad leading the charge and setting new records. The excitement surrounding the championship is palpable, and fans can look forward to more thrilling races as the season progresses.
