Drama in Spielberg: Bearman Claims His First Win After Holding Off Martí
In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Oliver Bearman secured his first win of the FIA Formula 2 season in a thrilling Spielberg Sprint Race. The PREMA Racing driver exhibited a mature and calculated performance, starting off from second place but swiftly taking the lead as he outpaced Invicta Racing’s pole-sitter, Kush Maini, in the dash to Turn 1.
From the moment he took the lead, Bearman showed exceptional composure as he maintained his position for the entirety of the race. Despite relentless pressure from Campos Racing’s Josep María Martí, the Ferrari Driver Academy star refused to falter, fending off every attack and sealing a hard-fought and well-deserved victory. Martí, a Red Bull Junior prospect, had to settle for second place—his best result since his podium finish in Bahrain during the season's opening weekend.
Podium Positions and Championship Standings
Behind the leaders, the battle for the podium was just as intense. Championship leader Paul Aron continued his outstanding season, clinching his seventh podium of the year with a third-place finish. Driving for Hitech Pulse-Eight, Aron showcased his defensive prowess by holding off McLaren-backed Gabriel Bortoleto, ensuring another valuable trophy for his collection. Aron’s consistent performances have now extended his lead over Campos’ Isack Hadjar to a solid 16 points.
The competitive spirit in the Sprint Race was palpable as teams and drivers jostled for crucial points. MP Motorsport’s Dennis Hauger, who is also set to start from pole position in the upcoming Feature Race, demonstrated his strong form by finishing fifth. He was closely followed by DAMS’ Jak Crawford, who took sixth place.
Resilient Performances Throughout the Grid
Despite initial struggles, several drivers managed to deliver commendable performances. Alpine Academy’s Kush Maini, who started from pole, overcame his early setbacks to finish seventh. Meanwhile, Joshua Duerksen of AIX Racing snatched the final point, rounding off the top eight.
The anticipation now builds as we look forward to Sunday’s Feature Race at the Red Bull Ring. Dennis Hauger will be looking to capitalize on his pole position, with lights out scheduled for 10:00 local time. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce as the drivers gear up for what promises to be another exciting race.
For more in-depth coverage and analysis of the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race, visit the official website. Stay tuned for more updates, race results, and exclusive insights.