The lack of Formula 2 drivers reaching Formula 1 has been a significant problem in recent years, but come 2025, that issue looks to have been addressed.
Both of PREMA Racing’s drivers will be joining the F1 grid next season, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli coming in to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Oliver Bearman will be heading to Haas alongside Esteban Ocon. The Brit has already made two Grand Prix starts this season, finishing seventh in Jeddah with Ferrari in place of Carlos Sainz and 10th in Baku with his future team in place of the suspended Kevin Magnussen.
Another Formula 2 driver who has made his F1 debut in 2024 is Franco Colapinto. The Argentinian had been racing with MP Motorsport in his first full season in the category when he was drafted in to replace Logan Ssargeant at Williams from Monza onwards.
And his impressive performances have impacted F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto, who speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live during their coverage of FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix, explained how Colapinto has given him the confidence about his prospects in F1.
Gabriel Bortoleto says Franco Colapinto has given him confidence perform well in Formula 1
In just four races so far in F1, Colapinto has scored points in two of them and has beaten teammate Alex Albon in the last two Grand Prix.
The 21-year-old finished eighth in Baku – his best finish to date – and 10th last time out in Austin. The five points he has registered so far is four more than Sargeant managed in almost two years with Williams.
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For Bortoleto, these ‘amazing’ performances have given him hope that he can replicate Colapinto’s success when he gets his chance in F1.
Asked whether the Argentine has given the other F2 drivers confidence about the pinnacle of motorsport, he said: “For sure it does. I think the championship this year has been one of the strongest grids. We have a lot of generations coming up together.
“So I think there is three F3 champions in the grid this year and many other good drivers like Franco.
“Franco has been doing [an] amazing job in F1, putting Albon under a lot of pressure. Yeah, just seeing that, it gives me a lot of confidence that if one day I get an opportunity, I can do very well.”
What are Gabriel Bortoleto’s chances of reaching Formula 1?
Bortoleto currently leads the F2 standings by four and a half points over Isack Hadjar heading into the final two rounds of the season.
The Brazilian’s two wins and five podiums, as well as has brilliant consistency with just five finishes outside the points all season, have caught the attention of Sauber, who hold the last vacant seat on the F1 grid for 2025.
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But while he is a serious option, there are some complications that could hinder his chances of landing the seat. Being a McLaren Academy driver, the Woking-based outfit are unwilling to let him let the team permanently.
Colapinto is also in contention for the Sauber seat and could join the team on loan from Williams. Valtteri Bottas is the favourite to retain his seat, but as the F1 season nears its end, it is anyone’s guess as to who will be the team’s second driver for 2025.