Baku Brings Excitement to the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Season

The 2025 FIA Formula 2 season reached a thrilling chapter in Baku, where Jak Crawford and Dino Beganovic emerged victorious amidst challenging weather conditions. The drivers faced gusty winds and light rain as they navigated one of the narrowest circuits on the calendar. This race weekend marked Round 12 of the season, filled with critical developments that could shape the championship’s final outcome.

Crawford Revives His Championship Aspirations

After a challenging experience at Monza, American driver Jak Crawford entered the Baku circuit with a renewed sense of determination. Securing pole position on Friday, along with the accompanying two championship points, set the stage for what would turn out to be a pivotal weekend. The 20-year-old driver managed to maintain his lead throughout the Feature Race on Sunday, clinching a vital victory that bolstered his championship hopes.

Crawford’s journey to victory wasn’t straightforward. He initially lost his lead to Leonardo Fornaroli of Invicta right after the start and even dropped to third place behind Gabrielle Mini from PREMA. However, the DAMS Lucas Oil driver demonstrated remarkable composure, allowing him to reclaim the lead and ultimately win the race. This victory was crucial for Crawford as he aimed to close the gap on championship leader Fornaroli, who now sits only 19 points ahead. Since his last Feature Race win at Silverstone in July, Crawford’s performances have been inconsistent, alternating between impressive podium finishes and disappointing results. With only two rounds remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, he must secure points consistently to stay in the title race.

Beganovic’s Breakthrough Performance

Dino Beganovic, hailing from Sweden, has had a season filled with sporadic flashes of brilliance, but his performance in Baku marked a significant milestone. Until now, he had often been overshadowed by the steady performances of his teammate, Luke Browning. However, this weekend proved to be a turning point for Beganovic, as he delivered his best performance in Formula 2.

Beganovic claimed victory in the Sprint Race on Saturday, showcasing his speed and skill by overtaking Rafael Villagomez right off the line from second on the grid. His race was not without its challenges, as the conditions became increasingly tricky with intermittent drizzle and multiple Safety Car restarts. Nonetheless, he managed to secure a dominant win, highlighting his potential in the series.

On Sunday, Beganovic continued to impress by finishing third in the Feature Race. His ability to navigate through a chaotic midfield start demonstrated his growing prowess in the sport. This consistent performance marks a significant improvement for the Ferrari Academy driver, who has now scored points in every race for the past seven rounds, dating back to the Spa Feature Race. His contributions will be essential for Hitech as they vie for the Teams Championship against Invicta.

Fornaroli Faces His First Challenge

Leonardo Fornaroli has had a remarkably smooth season thus far, but Baku presented its own set of challenges for the championship leader. While his previous slip-ups were minor, such as speeding in the pit lane during the Hungarian round, a more significant error occurred in the Feature Race when he collided with Alex Dunne’s Rodin, resulting in a ten-second penalty.

For several laps after receiving the penalty, it looked as if Fornaroli might drop out of the points altogether, which would have severely impacted his championship lead. However, through determination and skill, he managed to regain pace and eventually finished in fifth place. This result allowed him to retain a substantial portion of his championship advantage. Despite acknowledging that Baku was a tough weekend, Fornaroli emphasized the importance of the 14 points he secured, which could prove crucial in his quest for a second consecutive championship title.

Dürksen Shines Again in Baku

Joshua Dürksen made a strong comeback in Baku after struggling in the previous races. The Paraguayan driver showcased his talent by climbing from 15th to second place in the Feature Race on Sunday. Known for his impressive performance in Baku during the 2024 season, Dürksen once again found his rhythm on this challenging circuit.

While he was delighted with his podium finish, he couldn’t help but wonder what might have been had he qualified better on Friday. The circuit layout seemed to align perfectly with his driving style, allowing him to attack corners confidently. His performance not only boosted his spirits but also brought hope to the AIX team, who will be keen to see if Dürksen can convert this form into a potential victory in the final rounds.

Stenshorne’s Impressive Debut

Norwegian driver Martinius Stenshorne made a notable impression during his debut weekend in Baku, alongside Dutch rookie Laurens van Hoepen. Stenshorne, competing for Trident, demonstrated his speed early on, qualifying eighth and finishing second in the reverse-grid Sprint Race on Saturday. Unfortunately, a technical issue ended his race prematurely, denying him a strong finish.

On Sunday, Stenshorne was in contention for another podium when misfortune struck again, resulting in a collision with Campos’ Pepe Martí, causing him to crash on the exit of Turn 1. Despite the setbacks, Stenshorne’s performance caught the attention of team managers and fans alike. His undeniable talent and potential have sparked discussions about his future in the sport, especially with the final two races of the season approaching.

The Impact of Baku on the Championship

As the 2025 FIA Formula 2 season winds down, the results from Baku have significant implications for the championship standings. With only two rounds left, every point will be crucial for drivers like Jak Crawford and Leonardo Fornaroli, who are vying for the title. The intense competition and unpredictable nature of the races ensure that fans can expect thrilling finishes as the season approaches its climax.

The performances in Baku have set the stage for an exhilarating final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. With drivers like Beganovic and Dürksen showing marked improvements, the championship battle may not be as straightforward as it once appeared. The unpredictability of motorsport ensures that every driver will be pushing to their limits in the hope of achieving glory on the track.

In conclusion, the Baku weekend has proven to be a critical juncture in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 season. With drivers demonstrating their skill and determination amidst challenging conditions, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the championship. As the season heads towards its finale, fans can anticipate more high-stakes racing and potential surprises in the remaining rounds.