The 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship gets underway in two weeks’ time in Bahrain, supporting the opening Formula 1 round of the new year. Exactly half of the F2 drivers are connected to F1 via junior academies from various teams, so MotorsportWeek.com has listed them all ahead of the new campaign.
(ART Grand Prix) Frederick Vesti – Mercedes
Vesti steps up to F2 following two seasons in Formula 3, finishing fourth on both occasions. The Danish driver has an impressive junior record, but will need to be in his best form to impress in the F2 field this year, given the depth of talent.
(Prema Racing) Dennis Hauger – Red Bull
Many eyes will be on Hauger this year, as he enters the season as the reigning champion in F3. It was an impressive display last year, however that may mean high expectations as he makes the next step towards F1.
(Prema Racing) Jehan Daruvala – Red Bull
One of the more experienced F2 drivers in the field, Daruvala is now at a team where results will be expected. Although he is a winner in the series, the success of Prema in F2 will mean that Daruvala will be expected to contest for more than just a race win or two across the campaign.
(Carlin) Liam Lawson – Red Bull
Lawson’s sophomore campaign in F2 will be interesting to watch, as he showed potential last year. Winning the first race of the 2021 season, his campaign looked as though it would be promising, however strong results rarely followed. The Kiwi has switched teams, so perhaps his new home will deliver better fortunes.
(Hitech Grand Prix) Juri Vips – Red Bull
Vips was once touted as an F1 prospect but talk of his advancement to the premier motorsport series seems to have subdued in the last year or two. 2022 really feels like a make or break year for the Estonian, and there’s little doubt that the 21-year-old will have his goal firmly set on taking this year’s F2 title.
(DAMS) Ayumu Iwasa – Red Bull
Iwasa arrives in F2 having endured a somewhat quiet F3 season last year. A win in Hungary was undoubtedly the highlight, but it’s hard to believe that the Japanese driver will make a title push in the upcoming season.
(Virtuosi Racing) Jack Doohan – Alpine
After jumping ship from Red Bull to Alpine, Doohan will be hoping to put the title fight loss last year in F3 behind him and enjoy a strong opening season in F2. With fresh surroundings in respect to both F1 and his full-time race seat, Doohan could be a dark horse in the category this year.
(Campos) Olli Caldwell – Alpine
It’s difficult to know what to expect of Caldwell this year, especially since he had a sub-par campaign with Prema last year in F3. However, perhaps the support of Alpine could help him produce the best version of himself in 2022.
(Carlin) Logan Sargeant – Williams
After three years in F3, Sargeant is due a step up. With F1 focusing a lot of recent attention on the US market, a strong year for Sargeant could really bolster his chances of making it to F1 full-time in the coming years.
(DAMS) Roy Nissany – Williams
Nissany has been racing in F2 for some time now, but unfortunately, has been unable to produce strong race results. A third place last year in Monaco remains his only top-three finish during his three seasons in the category.
(ART Grand Prix) Theo Pourchaire – Alfa Romeo
Pourchaire is labelled as one of the most likely prospects on the F2 grid to make it to F1, perhaps as soon as 2023. Despite his young age, the Frenchman enjoyed a fantastic rookie year in F2 last year, and should absolutely be considered one of the title favourites for the 2022 season.
Keyword: The F1 juniors to track in F2 this year