The Jump to F1: Who Are the Young F2 Stars Who Could Make the Cut for 2025?

07/29/2024 04:18 AM

Making the grade in Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motor racing, but this transition is becoming less and less common.

The- F2 sports’ feeder series, F2, though, is brimming with young talent hungry for a shot at the big leagues. This season has had many thrilling battles at the second tier, but who will graduate to the pinnacle of motorsport?

We delve into the top contenders, from the pre-season favorites to the surprise pick backed by F1 royalty.
 

Ollie Bearman

Ollie Bearman has an advantage over the other F1 contenders: he’s already made an elite appearance. On his Formula 1 debut as a last-minute sub for Carlos Sainz impressed Ferrari chiefs, and the 19-year-old Brit could be in line for a swift return.

Bearman's current focus lies on F2, where he aims to claw back positions in the championship standings, and he has several practice sessions, (starting at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix) where he can impress the Haas team.

Stepping in for Ferrari was a "whirlwind," a dream come true that left him hungry for more, according to the teenager himself. His status as a reserve driver for both Ferrari and Haas keeps him on high alert. Should Kevin Magnussen pick up a race ban, Bearman is ready to answer the call.

However, Bearman knows the need to earn his place through consistent performance. Balancing his F2 commitments with the chance to impress in F1 practice sessions is a key challenge for him.

The coming months will be a test of his talent, adaptability, and ability to impress under pressure.

Isack Hadjar

Before this season, betting on Australian Isack Hadjar to jump up to elite racing would not have been an example of responsible gambling – that is until he emerged at the top of the F2 leaderboard, and F1 chief Christian Horner name-dropped him in a recent interview.

Horner's comments came during Daniel Ricciardo's struggles this season. Ricciardo sits far behind his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who recently secured a contract extension for 2025. The stark contrast in performance seems to have prompted Red Bull to explore their options.

Praising both Hadjar and fellow Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad (P2 in Formula 3), Horner hinted at a potential shakeup for VCARB (Red Bull's sister team) in 2025. He mentioned Hadjar's recent strong showing, saying it was a factor in delaying the team's decision on driver selection.

Horner's cryptic comment, "There's always a chance," has got people talking about where Hadjar could be the surprise replacement for Ricciardo.

The pressure is now on Ricciardo to improve his performance significantly if he wants to retain his seat at VCARB, and not be taken over by rising star Hadjar.
 

Frederik Vesti

Frederik Vesti, an F2 runner-up, has his sights firmly set on Formula 1 despite his current LMP2 campaign in the European Le Mans Series.

The 22-year-old Dane, a Mercedes junior driver, is balancing his reserve driver role with Mercedes and racing for Cool Racing, who recently bagged a great win in Barcelona, to stay sharp for a potential F1 opportunity.

Vesti has stressed that continual development is crucial for a future F1 seat. He believes actively racing, even outside F2, keeps him sharper than remaining solely a simulator and reserve driver.

Vesti's focus is clear: building consistency while pushing his limits. He wants to learn from past mistakes in F2 that cost him the championship but stresses his commitment to learning and improvement.

Whether his determination will translate into a coveted Mercedes seat is uncertain, but Vesti’s commitment to racing and his role within the team make him a strong contender for a future F1 opportunity.
 

Théo Pourchaire

Théo Pourchaire has made F1 his aim following his recent F2 victory and a stint in Japan's Super Formula series on the horizon. But what are the chances of seeing the Sauber junior on the 2025 grid?

A successful Super Formula campaign is crucial. Pierre Gasly's path from Super Formula to Toro Rosso sets a precedent which Pourchaire needs to replicate.

While not guaranteed, Pourchaire's chances of reaching F1 in 2025 seem good. A strong showing in Super Formula combined with a driver vacancy at Sauber could pave the way for his debut.

The upcoming "silly season" might create additional opportunities, but Sauber remains the most realistic landing spot. Pourchaire's talent and the team's driver situation make him a frontrunner for a 2025 Sauber seat, assuming he delivers in Super Formula.
 

Ayumu Iwasa

Ayumu Iwasa, a 22-year-old Japanese driver, had a dream opportunity to test drive for Red Bull (formerly AlphaTauri) during the Japan Grand Prix practice session.

While the ultimate goal of becoming a regular F1 driver and world champion remains ambitious, Iwasa's talent and recent performance means he has the potential to make it.

With only 20 seats available in F1, however, competition is fierce. Challenges remain, yet his talent and the spotlight from his Suzuka performance could pave the way for a permanent seat, potentially breaking the mold for Japanese F1 success.