Hadjar Stuns with Epic Duel Against Bortoleto for Imola Victory – All the Thrills Unveiled
Isack Hadjar held off a charge from Invicta Racing’s Gabriel Bortoleto to take his second victory of the season in this weekend’s Imola Feature Race.
The Red Bull-backed Campos Racing driver showcased his emerging talent yet again, climbing from third on the grid to seize his second consecutive Feature Race victory, following his triumph in Melbourne. This win has catapulted Hadjar well into title contention, proving that his earlier success was no fluke.
Gabriel Bortoleto, starting from pole position, had a rocky beginning but didn't let an early stumble define his race. McLaren's Development Driver showed resilience, fighting from fourth to clinch his first Formula 2 podium, finishing in a commendable P2. The battle between Hadjar and Bortoleto kept spectators at the edge of their seats, epitomizing the unpredictability and excitement of Formula 2 racing.
Completing the podium was Joshua Duerksen, who finished third and gave AIX Racing their maiden F2 podium. Duerksen also created history by becoming the first Paraguayan driver to stand on the podium in the championship. His and the team’s celebration was visibly emotional, marking a milestone in their racing careers.
However, the race was less kind to some. Oliver Bearman, who led in the early stages, faced disappointment after stalling twice in the pit lane, which relegated him to the back of the pack. He eventually finished in a disheartening 19th place, a stark contrast to his strong start.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, on home turf, finished fourth providing some consolation for the local fans. MP Motorsport’s Franco Colapinto couldn’t replicate his Sprint Race success but managed to secure a solid fifth place. Paul Aron’s sixth place finish further solidified his presence in the points tally.
The DAMS Lucas Oil tandem, Jak Crawford and Juan Manuel Correa, performed admirably. Both drivers, starting from the rear, managed to break into the top ten, finishing seventh and eighth respectively, showcasing resilient racing skills. Alpine Academy’s Victor Martins took ninth, while Trident’s Richard Verschoor rounded out the top ten.
On the flip side, championship leader Zane Maloney endured a challenging race. Maloney got entangled in a multi-lap tussle with Roman Stanek, which significantly cost him time and subsequently, he could only manage an 11th place finish. This result has brought some unpredictability back into the championship standings.
With only a few days to debrief, the teams and drivers are gearing up for the glamour and pressure of Monte Carlo, where Round 5 of the season will unfold from May 23-26. The iconic street circuit promises another electrifying chapter in the season.
For those eager for more in-depth insights and analysis of the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race at Imola, you can visit the official F2 website here.