Max Esterson has been very impressive over his racing career in the junior categories below Formula 1 after switching from sim racing.
Since racing in Formula Ford and learning British tracks, the American driver has consistently competed at the front of the field.
Esterson won the Walter Hayes Trophy for the first time in 2021 before moving to GB3 for the following season.
This was a big step as he was racing on Formula 1 tracks such as Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps against a competitive field including Luke Browning and Joel Granfors.
He took victory at Donington Park in his first season before going in the wrong direction for 2023, moving to Fortec. This was a difficult move, as the team took a significant step backwards.
Esterson showed he had the skill to compete on the road to F1 and graduated to FIA F3 for this season despite a mixed time in GB3. The American will take a further step as he competes in the final two rounds of Formula 2 this year.
He explained to Motor Sport why the F2 car may suit his style as he makes his debut in the series at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
The Formula 2 car may suit Max Esterson’s style as you need to ‘save the tyre’
Formula 2 is a significant championship as it is the final step to Formula 1. Multiple F1 race winners, such as Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, have competed in the series and won the title in their rookie years.
Esterson has not yet driven the F2 car, which is a step up from the FIA F3 with more power and downforce, creating an extra challenge.
He will drive for Trident, replacing Richard Verschoor, who took two race wins with the Italian team this season in Hungary and Azerbaijan.
Esterson may need to find the limit quickly, as Pepe Marti feels qualifying will be critical in Qatar despite the very long pit straight with a DRS zone.
The American is eagerly anticipating his debut in Formula 2 and learning a new track. He feels the fragile Pirelli rubber may suit Esterson.
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He said: “The first time I will drive the car will be in practice. On the sim, it’s definitely quick on the straight, but it’s also pretty heavy so is a bit slower in the corners.
“I think it’s good for my style, because you need to save the tyre. It’s not that nimble a car, it’s quite big. It will be a bit of a step up, but we’ve been training. You’re always told to train in preparation for the next level.
“It would be nice to score points, but I’m just aiming to finish the races cleanly and learn how to manage the tyre, execute races.”
Tyre management will be critical for Max Esterson in Qatar
Esterson is jumping into the Formula 2 championship at a very difficult time, as the rest of the field has much more experience in the car.
He is also having to learn two new tracks, one in Qatar and one in Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, which are both very dependent on tyre wear.
The Pirelli tyre in Formula 2 is very difficult to manage. It wears very quickly, particularly when the car slides across the road.
Esterson will have to adapt during the 45-minute practice session, but he has shown previously that he can adjust quickly to a new car.