The 2021 Formula 2 season is quickly approaching, and the grid is almost set for what promises to be another thrilling year of fierce competition. As the primary feeder series to Formula 1, F2 plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of motorsport stars. Teams and drivers alike are meticulously preparing, with every seat a coveted opportunity to showcase talent on a global stage. The latest major announcement comes from Trident, confirming its full driver line-up and leaving just one remaining seat yet to be officially revealed across the entire 22-car grid.
This finalization of team rosters signals the imminent start of the championship, building anticipation among fans eager to follow the progress of these aspiring F1 contenders. With the vast majority of the grid now confirmed, the focus shifts to pre-season testing and the opening rounds, where strategies and driver pairings will be put to the ultimate test.
Trident Confirms Marino Sato and Bent Viscaal for 2021 F2 Season
Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free
Trident, a seasoned competitor in junior formulae, has officially announced its complete driver pairing for the 2021 Formula 2 season: Marino Sato and Bent Viscaal. This highly anticipated confirmation solidifies the team’s commitment to a blend of experience and emerging talent, setting the stage for what they hope will be a successful campaign.
Marino Sato, a Japanese driver of considerable promise, will embark on his second full season in Formula 2 with Trident. Sato initially joined the team in 2019, making his F2 debut after a stellar performance in the Euroformula Open series where he clinched the championship title. His inaugural F2 season was a steep learning curve, characteristic of the demanding nature of the series, but it provided invaluable experience that Trident hopes will translate into significant gains in 2021. Sato’s continuity with the team suggests a strong working relationship and a clear understanding of the car and team dynamics, which could be a pivotal advantage.
Joining Sato is the Dutch sensation, Bent Viscaal. Viscaal is no stranger to success, having finished as the runner-up in the highly competitive 2018 Euroformula Open series. His progression through the motorsport ladder saw him compete in Formula 3 last year with MP Motorsport, where he delivered a respectable performance, securing 13th place in the overall standings and notably claiming a memorable victory in the tenth round of the series at Silverstone. His proven ability to win races and adapt quickly to new machinery makes him an exciting prospect for Trident.
Giacomo Ricci, Trident’s Team Manager, expressed his enthusiasm for the new line-up. “We had Bent with us for one day of testing last December in Bahrain, and we had the chance to appreciate his speed skills multiple times,” Ricci stated. He further recalled, “We remember the win he snatched from our driver [Lirim] Zendeli last July at Silverstone in the Formula 3 championship. We are convinced we will be able to reach great results together, and we will provide him with our best support to help him to find his fit with our family as quickly as possible.” Ricci’s comments highlight Viscaal’s raw pace and competitive spirit, suggesting that Trident sees significant potential in developing him further within their professional environment. The synergy between a driver and team is crucial in F2, and Trident aims to foster this swiftly.
This strategic pairing underscores Trident’s aspiration to climb the F2 constructors’ standings. With Sato bringing continuity and experience, and Viscaal injecting fresh talent and winning pedigree, the team is poised to make a stronger impact in the upcoming championship. Their combined efforts will be critical as they navigate the challenging and unpredictable F2 calendar, beginning with the season opener in Bahrain.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free
The 2021 Formula 2 Grid Nears Completion
With Trident’s announcement, the 2021 Formula 2 grid is now almost complete, bringing clarity to the competitive landscape just weeks before the season commences. Out of the 22 available seats, only one remains to be officially filled. MP Motorsport is the sole team yet to confirm its full line-up, having only announced Lirim Zendeli so far, who is also stepping up from Formula 3. The anticipation around MP’s second driver adds a final layer of intrigue to what is already a highly anticipated season.
The F2 championship serves as a vital proving ground for aspiring Formula 1 drivers, and the quality of the 2021 grid reflects the depth of talent in junior motorsport. Teams such as Prema, Carlin, and ART Grand Prix, all former champions, have assembled formidable pairings, featuring a mix of returning F2 veterans and highly-touted rookies graduating from F3. This ensures a diverse and intensely competitive field, where every race promises dramatic overtakes and unexpected results. The season is set to ignite on March 27th in Bahrain, marking the beginning of a relentless pursuit for championship glory and, ultimately, a pathway to Formula 1.
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the confirmed teams and drivers for the 2021 Formula 2 season, highlighting the near-complete nature of the grid:
| Team | Car | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| ART | 1 | Theo Pourchaire |
| ART | 2 | Christian Lundgaard |
| Campos | 1 | Ralph Boschung |
| Campos | 2 | Gianluca Petecof |
| Carlin | 1 | Jehan Daruvala |
| Carlin | 2 | Dan Ticktum |
| Charouz | 1 | Guilherme Samaia |
| Charouz | 2 | David Beckmann |
| DAMS | 1 | Marcus Armstrong |
| DAMS | 2 | Roy Nissany |
| Hitech | 1 | Liam Lawson |
| Hitech | 2 | Juri Vips |
| HWA | 1 | Matteo Nannini |
| HWA | 2 | Alessio Deledda |
| MP | 1 | Lirim Zendeli |
| MP | 2 | TBC |
| Prema | 1 | Robert Shwartzman |
| Prema | 2 | Oscar Piastri |
| Trident | 1 | Marino Sato |
| Trident | 2 | Bent Viscaal |
| Virtuosi | 1 | Felipe Drugovich |
| Virtuosi | 2 | Guanyu Zhou |
Social Media Pulse: Keeping Up with the Motorsport World
In the fast-paced world of motorsport, social media platforms have become indispensable tools for teams, drivers, and fans alike. They offer instant updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and direct engagement, fostering a vibrant global community. Notable posts often provide unique insights or inject a dose of humor, keeping the conversation around Formula 1 and its feeder series alive and dynamic.
One such post recently caught attention, highlighting the enduring connection between drivers and their teams, even when circumstances prevent their physical presence. The excitement surrounding team launches and driver preparations is palpable across various platforms.
And while our friend @alo_oficial can’t physically be with us, rest assured he is paying close attention!
See you soon Fernando 👋#A521Launch pic.twitter.com/kCvzaRNjqL
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) March 1, 2021
This tweet from the newly rebranded BWT Alpine F1 Team perfectly encapsulated the spirit of anticipation surrounding the team’s car launch and Fernando Alonso’s return to the sport. It reassured fans that despite his absence from the physical launch event, the two-time world champion was keenly following the developments, emphasizing his dedication and the collective excitement for the upcoming F1 season. Such interactions provide a human touch to the high-stakes world of Formula 1, connecting fans directly to their heroes and teams.
- For more official F1 accounts and a deeper dive into the motorsport social sphere, explore the F1 Twitter Directory.
Further Insights: Important Motor Racing Links and Discussions
Beyond the immediate grid announcements, the wider world of motor racing continues to generate significant news and discussion. These links offer deeper dives into pressing topics, driver perspectives, and team dynamics, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the sport.
‘I’m not proud of it’ – Mazepin talks for first time after controversial video (ESPN)
Nikita Mazepin, preparing for his Formula 1 debut, recently addressed the controversy surrounding a video he posted on social media. His statement, “When asked what steps he has taken to educate himself, Mazepin replied: ‘I totally understand they are correct in their feelings and that I was not correct with my actions. I’m not proud of it,'” signifies a public acknowledgement of his misjudgment. This situation highlights the intense scrutiny and high expectations placed upon young drivers entering Formula 1, not just for their performance on track but also for their conduct and public image off it. It underscores the increasing importance of professionalism and social responsibility in modern sports, with fans and stakeholders holding athletes to higher ethical standards.
Vettel fully motivated and fitting in well at Aston Martin (Reuters)
Sebastian Vettel’s move to Aston Martin for the 2021 season has been one of the most talked-about transitions. After a challenging few years at Ferrari, many are eager to see if the four-time world champion can rediscover his winning form. The report from Reuters indicates a positive start, quoting, “I can attest to the fact that he’s really motivated. But I don’t think the motivation is to prove the nay-sayers wrong. I think it’s just how he is. I think he’s just driven to do the best he can.” This suggests that Vettel’s drive comes from an intrinsic desire for excellence rather than external validation. A motivated Vettel at Aston Martin could be a game-changer, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to the rebranded team. His ability to integrate quickly and contribute to the team’s development will be crucial for Aston Martin’s ambitions.
We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link to feature in the next RaceFans round-up, please send it in via the contact form.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free
Comment of the Day: The IndyCar Single-Spec Debate
Today’s featured comment delves into a long-standing debate within the motorsport community: Does modern IndyCar racing need to be less of a ‘single-spec’ series? This question sparks passionate discussion, pitting the perceived benefits of standardized equipment against the nostalgia for more open development and technical diversity.
I still think it’s a shame IndyCar is so much more spec and restricted now than it used to be in the CART heyday where it was so much more interesting.
The current IndyCar may be more competitive than in the CART days but I feel it’s so much less interesting in every other regard and overall it’s quite a bit less exciting as it’s missing much of what made the series so thrilling and spectacular back then.
Seeing a field featuring a dozen different looking chassis was just more interesting visually and that on top of individual teams doing there own tweaks and development added that bit of extra to follow on the technical side. And with engine development a bit more open, tyre competition and things it was a series that was almost as interesting as F1 on the technical side as you could follow those developments race to race just as you do in F1.
And of course the performance of those cars was much more impressive and I think they were up to 900bhp before CART became ChampCar and went to the de-tuned spec Cosworth in 2003.
And to be clear I’m not saying that the current IndyCar is bad, Just that it is significantly less interesting/exciting than it was before Tony George went on his power trip and ruined it with the split. I’m sure those that only know it the way it’s been think it’s great but those who remember what it was in the CART days are likely to be more down on it because it simply isn’t as good as it was in any regard. Hence why it’s way less popular now compared to what it used to be.
@Roger-Ayles
The commenter, @Roger-Ayles, articulates a common sentiment among long-time fans who recall the “CART heyday” as a period of unparalleled excitement and technical innovation. The core argument rests on the idea that while contemporary IndyCar might offer closer racing due to its single-spec nature, it sacrifices the visual and technical intrigue that once defined the series. The appeal of diverse chassis designs, bespoke team developments, open engine competition, and tire wars, as seen in the CART era, is highlighted as a significant loss. These elements, according to the commenter, elevated the series to a technical parity with Formula 1, allowing fans to track developments race-by-race.
Furthermore, the performance of the older cars is emphasized, with mention of their impressive 900bhp outputs, a stark contrast to the de-tuned engines that followed. The underlying frustration stems from the perceived “ruin” of the series following the historic “split” orchestrated by Tony George. While acknowledging that current fans might find the series enjoyable, the commenter suggests that those who remember CART’s glory days often feel a sense of decline, asserting that the series is “significantly less interesting/exciting.” This perspective ties into a broader discussion about what truly constitutes engaging motorsport: is it purely close racing, or does technical diversity, visual spectacle, and raw performance play an equally vital role in captivating an audience and sustaining popularity?
The debate between single-spec racing and open development is a perennial one in motorsport. Single-spec series are often lauded for controlling costs, leveling the playing field, and putting the focus squarely on driver talent. However, as @Roger-Ayles points out, this can come at the expense of innovation, visual variety, and the deeper technical narratives that many enthusiasts cherish. Finding a balance that appeases both purists and new fans remains a significant challenge for series organizers.
Happy Birthday! Celebrating Motorsport Milestones
Birthday wishes are a cherished tradition in the motorsport community, offering a moment to celebrate the individuals who make the sport so vibrant, both on and off the track. It’s a small gesture that builds camaraderie and acknowledges the personal milestones amidst the competitive intensity.
A big Happy Birthday goes out to Kaushal and Royal-Spark! We hope you both have a fantastic day filled with celebration and motorsport memories.
If you’d like to receive a special birthday shout-out in our future round-ups, don’t hesitate to tell us when your special day is via the contact form or by adding your name to our growing list here. We love celebrating with our readers and fellow enthusiasts.
On This Day in F1: A Look Back at Key Dates
Motorsport history is rich with significant dates, from memorable race victories to the birth of future champions. Our “On This Day” feature takes a moment to reflect on these historical touchpoints, connecting the past with the present and highlighting the individuals who have shaped Formula 1.
- Born today in 1999: Nikita Mazepin
Today marks the birthday of Nikita Mazepin, who turns 22. As a Haas debutant, Mazepin is set to embark on his rookie Formula 1 season, a significant milestone in any driver’s career. His birthday provides a timely moment to reflect on his journey to F1 and the high expectations placed upon him as he steps into the pinnacle of motorsport. This “On This Day” entry adds a personal touch to the news cycle, reminding us of the human stories behind the helmets and the ongoing evolution of talent within Formula 1.