F2: Three drivers in contention for the title
- Samuel Rowley
- Nov 22, 2023
- 2 min read
It all boils down to this moment. After nearly three months since the last round, we are just a few days away from the culmination of the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship. As we approach the final weekend, three drivers remain in contention for the 2023 Driver’s Championship.
Championship Battle So Far
This championship has been a rollercoaster, with Pourchaire, Vesti, and Iwasa all taking turns leading the points throughout the year. Pourchaire heads into the final round with 191 points, leading by 25 points over Vesti (166 points) in second and Iwasa (152 points) in third. Each driver has tasted the championship lead, each securing at least one Feature Race win and one pole position during the season.
Iwasa’s Charge
Iwasa's recent form has been impressive. In the last round, he engaged in a battle with Pourchaire, outperforming the Frenchman on track. This confidence boost may be just what the DAMS driver needs to challenge Pourchaire in the season's final round.
Iwasa has historically performed well at the Yas Marina Circuit, where he claimed pole position and secured a Feature Race win last year. With a 6.83 average finishing position this season, a strong qualifying performance is crucial for him to keep his championship hopes alive.
While mathematically in contention, Iwasa faces an uphill battle. He must secure all available points, a feat never achieved before, and rely on his rivals scoring no points for him to clinch the championship.
When It Rains, It Pours
Vesti's second-place standing doesn't reveal the full story of his championship challenge. Leading for about a third of the season, and racking up 5 wins in his bid for the title.
However, recent misfortunes in the feature races, including crashes and retirements, have hindered his campaign. With a 25-point deficit, Vesti aims for redemption in Abu Dhabi, relying on Prema's speed and the team's previous success to mount a comeback.
To secure the title, Vesti needs a perfect weekend – qualifying on pole, winning the sprint with the fastest lap, and outscoring Pourchaire by 12 points on Sunday. It's a challenging task, but not an impossible one given Prema's performance this season.
A Consistent Season
Pourchaire enters the weekend as the clear favourite, holding a 25-point lead over Vesti. Although not a season of domination, Pourchaire's consistent performances have kept him in the title race. With an average finishing position of 5th in the last four rounds, including 5 top-5 finishes and 3 podiums, the Frenchman is in good form. Staying out of trouble will be key for Pourchaire to secure the title.
Pourchaire could clinch the title on Saturday with a 29-point lead over Vesti or 27 points if he secures his third pole of the season on Friday. If not, the battle will intensify on Sunday as he defends his position at the top. The title is within reach, and the stakes have never been higher as we head into the grand finale in Abu Dhabi.
Current Standings
Driver | Points |
T. Pourchaire | 191 |
F. Vesti | 166 |
A. Iwasa | 152 |
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