The 2019 Formula 2 season drew to a close with a captivating final race at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, a fitting backdrop for the championship’s ultimate showdown. While the overall title had already been sealed by Nyck de Vries, the finale still offered plenty of drama, with crucial championship positions and coveted podium finishes up for grabs. Luca Ghiotto of UNI-Virtuosi delivered a masterful performance, securing victory in what might have appeared an uneventful race on the surface, but was a testament to his strategic prowess and consistent pace. He crossed the finish line ahead of a strong DAMS contingent, showcasing the intense competition that defines Formula 2 racing.
Following closely behind Ghiotto were the two DAMS drivers, making it a stellar end to the season for the French team. Nicholas Latifi, the sole graduate from the 2019 Formula 2 grid to Formula 1 in the upcoming season, clinched a significant second place in the race. This crucial result not only cemented his runner-up position in the overall championship standings behind the already crowned Nyck de Vries, but also provided a memorable farewell to his junior single-seater career. Completing the podium was his DAMS teammate, Sergio Sette Camara, who executed a brilliant last-lap overtake, demonstrating the tenacity and skill that characterizes the series.
Ghiotto’s Strategic Victory and DAMS’ Dominance
Luca Ghiotto’s victory in the final race of the season was a testament to his race craft and consistency. Despite an initial challenge from pole-sitter Giuliano Alesi, Ghiotto meticulously managed his tires and pace, allowing him to take control of the race as others faded. The Italian driver, known for his ability to extract performance over long runs, showcased why he is considered one of the most experienced and talented drivers on the grid. His win marked a strong conclusion to his season, highlighting his potential and adding to his impressive tally of victories.
The DAMS team, with Nicholas Latifi and Sergio Sette Camara, proved to be a formidable force throughout the 2019 campaign, and the Abu Dhabi finale was no exception. Their double podium finish underscored the team’s engineering excellence and strategic acumen. Latifi’s consistent results all season, culminating in the runner-up spot in the championship, were a reward for his dedicated effort and marked a significant step in his journey to Formula 1. Sette Camara, with his aggressive yet controlled driving style, consistently challenged at the front, and his podium finish in the final race was a fitting reward for his season-long performance, despite uncertainty surrounding his future drive.
Latifi’s Farewell and F1 Ambitions
Nicholas Latifi’s second-place finish was more than just another podium; it was a poignant moment, signifying the culmination of years of hard work and dedication in the junior categories. As the only driver confirmed to graduate to Formula 1 for the following season, Latifi’s performance carried an extra layer of significance. His ability to secure the runner-up position in a highly competitive championship, demonstrating both speed and maturity, provided a strong statement as he prepared to step onto the grandest stage of motorsport. Despite a challenging start to the race, which saw him lose positions, Latifi displayed admirable composure and race management to recover and secure a crucial result. This resilience and determination are qualities highly valued in Formula 1, suggesting he is well-prepared for the immense challenge ahead.
Latifi’s journey through the junior ranks has been one of steady progression, and his 2019 Formula 2 season was arguably his strongest. His consistent points scoring, multiple podiums, and a clean fight for the title against eventual champion Nyck de Vries showcased a driver who had honed his craft. The Abu Dhabi finale served as a perfect send-off, allowing him to leave Formula 2 on a high note, with the full backing of his team and the respect of his competitors.
Alesi’s Early Lead and the Challenge of Tyre Degradation
The race commenced with Giuliano Alesi, son of former Ferrari F1 driver Jean Alesi, starting from a well-deserved pole position. Alesi initially capitalized on his front-row advantage, leading the field through the opening laps and quickly establishing a significant gap of approximately one and a half seconds over Luca Ghiotto. His early pace suggested a potential maiden victory, demonstrating the raw speed that had secured him pole in the first place. However, the unique and demanding conditions of the Yas Marina Circuit, particularly the daytime Abu Dhabi heat, began to take their toll. The abrasive track surface combined with high temperatures is notoriously tough on Pirelli tires, and Alesi’s aggressive early pace contributed to accelerated degradation.
As the race progressed, the performance of Alesi’s tires began to drop off noticeably, a common challenge in Formula 2 where tire management is paramount. This allowed his rivals, who had conserved their rubber more effectively, to close the gap and eventually make their moves. The strategic interplay between early aggression and long-run preservation is a key element of Formula 2, and in this instance, it proved to be Alesi’s undoing, as his initial advantage evaporated under the relentless pressure from behind. His strong start served as a valuable learning experience, underscoring the delicate balance between outright speed and tactical tire preservation required for success in endurance-focused sprint races.
A Race of Strategic Nuances and VSC Interruptions
While the Abu Dhabi finale might not have been teeming with overtakes throughout the entire field, it was a race characterized by strategic nuances and significant interruptions from Virtual Safety Car (VSC) periods. These VSCs, triggered by incidents or retirements, fundamentally alter the race dynamics, freezing gaps between cars and presenting strategic opportunities or dilemmas for teams. The first VSC was prompted by the retirement of Artem Markelov, who was contesting his final race for Arden. It was an unfortunate end to a career that had seen him achieve considerable success in Formula 2 (formerly GP2), leaving him without points in his swansong appearance. Shortly after, Sean Gelael also retired, triggering another VSC period.
These VSC interventions, though necessary for safety, had the effect of “neutering” the proceedings, as the report noted. They can often interrupt natural race rhythms, preventing drivers from building momentum or executing planned overtakes under green flag conditions. For some, they offer a chance to catch up or consolidate positions, while for others, they can be frustratingly disruptive, robbing them of opportunities to close gaps or make progress. Despite these interruptions, the leading drivers maintained their composure, demonstrating their ability to adapt to changing race conditions and extract maximum performance when the track was clear.
Sette Camara’s Audacious Last-Lap Overtake
One of the standout moments of the Abu Dhabi finale, and indeed the entire season, came on the very last lap, courtesy of Sergio Sette Camara. The DAMS driver, determined to end his season on a high, executed an utterly impressive overtake on Ferrari Academy driver Callum Ilott. This audacious move saw Sette Camara snatch third place and secure a double podium finish for the weekend, a remarkable feat that underscored his fighting spirit and raw talent. The battle between Sette Camara and Ilott had been brewing for several laps, with both drivers pushing their limits to claim the final podium spot.
Sette Camara’s ability to pull off such a high-stakes move on the final lap showcased not only his skill but also his unwavering determination, particularly given the backdrop of an uncertain future regarding a drive for the following season. This valuable result served as a powerful statement, reminding potential suitors of his capabilities and his commitment to securing a place in motorsport. For Ilott, falling to fourth was undoubtedly disappointing after a strong drive, but it was a testament to the relentless competition in Formula 2 and the high-pressure environment of a championship finale. The move was a highlight, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats and providing a dramatic conclusion to the sprint race.
The Rest of the Field: Rookies and Season Contenders
Beyond the podium battles, the rest of the field also put on a compelling show, with drivers fighting for every available championship point. Callum Ilott, despite losing out on a podium in the final moments, finished a respectable fourth. His season with Sauber Junior Team by Charouz had seen flashes of brilliance and demonstrated his potential as a future star. Giuliano Alesi, after his strong start, eventually fell to fifth place, a solid result considering his tire struggles, providing valuable points for Trident. The consistent Carlin pair of Louis Deletraz and Nobuharu Matsushita followed, securing sixth and seventh places respectively, capping off another year of reliable performances from both drivers.
Rounding out the points-scoring positions was Guanyu Zhou, Ghiotto’s UNI-Virtuosi teammate, who secured eighth place. This point was particularly significant as it cemented Zhou’s position as the “top rookie” of the 2019 season. The Chinese driver had a sensational debut year, consistently impressing with his speed and maturity, often challenging the more experienced drivers. His achievement speaks volumes about his talent and potential, marking him as one to watch in future seasons.
Further back, a spirited tussle for ninth and tenth place unfolded between Jordan King and Jack Aitken. Their intense battle, which ultimately saw them finish ninth and tenth respectively, caught the attention of the race stewards. The pair found themselves under investigation for an incident during their late-race duel, highlighting the competitive nature of Formula 2 where every position counts, even outside the points, and underlining the strict regulations governing on-track conduct.
Concluding the 2019 Formula 2 Season
The Abu Dhabi finale provided a fitting conclusion to what had been an enthralling 2019 Formula 2 season. It showcased the diverse talents within the series, from proven race winners like Luca Ghiotto to rising stars like Guanyu Zhou and graduating talent like Nicholas Latifi. The Yas Marina Circuit delivered a blend of strategic racing, tire management challenges, and dramatic last-lap overtakes, encapsulating the essence of Formula 2: a high-stakes, unpredictable, and fiercely competitive championship designed to prepare the next generation of motorsport champions. As the sun set on another exciting season, the focus shifted to the future, with many drivers looking ahead to their next challenges, whether in Formula 1 or other top-tier racing categories.
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