The Bahrain International Circuit roared to life on April 13 as Alex Dunne delivered a masterclass in the Formula 2 feature race. Starting from fourth, the Irish driver for Rodin Motorsport seized the lead with a flawless launch and never looked back, crossing the finish line 8.244 seconds ahead of runner-up Luke Browning. The victory marked Dunne’s first in the category, erasing the frustrations of a chaotic Sprint Race the previous day, where penalties cost him a podium. Italy’s Leonardo Fornaroli, starting from pole, secured third and took the championship lead by a single point, tightening the title race. The race, defined by bold strategies and fierce battles, cemented Bahrain as a pivotal stage in the season.
At just 19, Dunne displayed remarkable composure. After a Sprint Race marred by two five-second penalties for incidents, he channeled the pressure into focus. His strategy in the feature race, centered on tire management and a steady pace, proved untouchable, allowing him to build a commanding lead. The win was a testament to his skill and resilience, especially under the scrutiny following Saturday’s setbacks.
The race showcased the season’s intensity. Luke Browning of Hitech opted for an alternative tire strategy, clinching second but falling short of challenging Dunne’s blistering pace. Leonardo Fornaroli, despite losing the lead early, fended off pressure to claim the final podium spot and edge ahead of Richard Verschoor in the championship standings by a mere point.
Pepe Martí, the Sprint Race winner, came agonizingly close to the podium, finishing fourth after relentless pressure on Fornaroli. The Spaniard’s consistency, highlighted by his stunning charge from 11th to first on Saturday, positions him as a rising star in a fiercely competitive field.
Key moments from Bahrain
The feature race in Bahrain delivered a mix of strategy and raw speed, shaping the championship’s early narrative. Below are standout highlights:
- Perfect start: Alex Dunne capitalized on his fourth-place grid slot, surging to first in the opening corners.
- Tire mastery: Dunne’s controlled pace preserved his tires, ensuring dominance throughout the race.
- Podium duel: Fornaroli held off Martí’s late charge, securing third in a thrilling battle to the flag.
- Rare penalty: Sebastián Montoya’s five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane was the race’s only notable sanction.
Dunne’s redemption arc
Alex Dunne entered Bahrain under pressure after a turbulent Saturday. In the Sprint Race, he faced penalties for a collision with Ritomo Miyata and for breaching safety car delta times, adding ten seconds to his result and dropping him from contention. The setbacks fueled his determination, and on Sunday, he delivered a faultless performance. His first F2 win not only silenced doubters but also solidified his status as a McLaren Driver Development Programme talent to watch.
Dunne’s journey to F2 has been meteoric. A British F4 champion in 2022 and GB3 runner-up in 2023, he arrived in the series with high expectations. His adaptation to Rodin Motorsport’s car, a team climbing the ranks, has yielded dividends, with Bahrain showcasing his potential. The victory thrusts him into the spotlight, drawing attention from Formula 1 teams scouting the next generation of stars.
Beyond the track, Dunne’s composure stood out. Post-race, he emphasized staying calm after Saturday’s challenges, crediting his team for the turnaround. His ability to transform adversity into triumph sets him apart in a grid brimming with aggressive talent.
Championship fight heats up
Leonardo Fornaroli left Bahrain as the championship leader, but his one-point margin over Richard Verschoor signals a tight battle ahead. Starting from pole, Fornaroli lost ground at the start but showed grit to secure third, fending off Martí’s attacks. His consistency and speed make him a title favorite, though Verschoor and Martí loom large.
Verschoor, the championship leader entering Bahrain, had a mixed weekend. A Sprint Race podium boosted his tally, but sixth in the feature race cost him the lead. The 24-year-old Dutchman’s experience, honed since joining F2 in 2021, remains his edge in a field dominated by newcomers.
Pepe Martí’s star continues to rise. His Sprint Race win, charging from 11th, was a highlight, and his near-podium in the feature race underscored his talent. Racing for Campos, the Spaniard blends aggression with tactical nous, making him a constant threat.
Defining race moments
The Bahrain feature race ran smoothly for stewards, with minimal disruptions. Key factors that shaped the outcome include:
- Clean getaway: Unlike the Sprint Race, the feature race started without major incidents, letting leaders settle early.
- Browning’s gamble: His unique tire choice secured second but couldn’t close the gap to Dunne.
- Podium scrap: Martí’s pursuit of Fornaroli delivered one of the race’s most gripping battles.
- Tight top 10: Victor Martins and Gabriele Minì rounded out the points, showcasing the grid’s depth.
Formula 2’s evolving season
Formula 2 remains a proving ground for Formula 1 hopefuls, and this season underscores its role. With Dunne, Fornaroli, and Martí emerging, the series continues to unearth talent. The close championship fight reflects the balance between teams and drivers, with Rodin Motorsport, Hitech, and Campos Racing nurturing young stars while veterans like Verschoor add stability.
Bahrain, the season’s second round, set the tone for what’s to come. Its layout, favoring overtaking, rewarded bold strategies. The next stop, Jeddah, from April 18-20, brings a contrasting challenge with its tight, high-speed street circuit. Drivers like Dunne, who thrived in Bahrain’s open spaces, will need to adapt to Jeddah’s unforgiving walls.
New technical rules, including aerodynamic tweaks and enhanced tire compounds, have spiced up the racing. These changes, aimed at cutting costs and boosting competition, gave teams like Rodin more strategic flexibility, evident in Dunne’s tire management. The result is closer racing, as seen in Bahrain’s varied podium.
Rising stars and seasoned contenders
Victor Martins, fifth in Bahrain, is one to watch. The 2022 Formula 3 champion has grown into F2, excelling in race-long strategy. His steady points haul positions him for future podiums. Gabriele Minì, ninth, flashes raw speed but needs consistency to challenge the leaders.
Joshua Dürksen, rounding out the top 10, had a rollercoaster weekend. After a Sprint Race disqualification in Australia for technical breaches, the Paraguayan struggled in Bahrain but showed flashes of his Melbourne-winning pace. His potential remains undeniable.
Richard Verschoor anchors the veterans. Despite losing the championship lead, his Trident team’s reliability and his track knowledge—especially at Jeddah and Monaco—give him an edge. The Dutchman will need stronger results to reclaim the top spot.
Bahrain’s impact on the title race
Bahrain reshuffled the standings, but the razor-thin gaps suggest a long fight ahead. Fornaroli leads with 36 points, one ahead of Verschoor, while Martí trails with 29. Dunne’s win vaults him to 25 points, injecting him into the conversation. With 14 rounds, including grueling tracks like Spa and Abu Dhabi, consistency will decide the champion.
Bahrain’s long straights and heavy braking zones tested drivers’ stamina, with 32°C heat pushing tire management to the fore. Dunne’s command of these conditions sent a warning to rivals. His win was no fluke but a display of skill under pressure.
Jeddah looms as a stark contrast. Its high-speed corners and narrow margins punish mistakes, favoring drivers with precision. Fornaroli, a past winner there in junior series, holds an edge, but Dunne and Martí’s boldness could shake things up. Verschoor, meanwhile, aims to leverage his experience.

Upcoming race schedule
Formula 2’s packed calendar shadows Formula 1, with key rounds shaping the title fight. The next stops include:
- Jeddah (April 18-20): A street circuit demanding pinpoint accuracy amid high-speed sweeps.
- Melbourne (May 9-11): Albert Park’s return brings potential rain and overtaking chances.
- Imola (May 16-18): A technical track testing braking and corner exits.
- Monaco (May 23-25): Qualifying is king in F2’s most glamorous round.
A grid bursting with talent
Bahrain confirmed Formula 2’s status as a thriller, with Dunne’s dominance setting a high bar. Fornaroli’s lead, Martí’s flair, and Verschoor’s grit ensure no shortage of drama. Martins and Dürksen, despite inconsistency, hint at breakthroughs to come.
As F1 teams like McLaren and Ferrari monitor the grid, Bahrain highlighted why F2 matters. The next champion could be among these drivers, each vying for a shot at the top. Dunne’s win was a statement, but the season’s twists are far from over.
Jeddah awaits, promising a fresh test. Dunne’s momentum, Fornaroli’s resolve, and Martí’s hunger will collide in a championship where every lap counts. Formula 2’s future shines bright, and Bahrain was just the start.

The Bahrain International Circuit roared to life on April 13 as Alex Dunne delivered a masterclass in the Formula 2 feature race. Starting from fourth, the Irish driver for Rodin Motorsport seized the lead with a flawless launch and never looked back, crossing the finish line 8.244 seconds ahead of runner-up Luke Browning. The victory marked Dunne’s first in the category, erasing the frustrations of a chaotic Sprint Race the previous day, where penalties cost him a podium. Italy’s Leonardo Fornaroli, starting from pole, secured third and took the championship lead by a single point, tightening the title race. The race, defined by bold strategies and fierce battles, cemented Bahrain as a pivotal stage in the season.
At just 19, Dunne displayed remarkable composure. After a Sprint Race marred by two five-second penalties for incidents, he channeled the pressure into focus. His strategy in the feature race, centered on tire management and a steady pace, proved untouchable, allowing him to build a commanding lead. The win was a testament to his skill and resilience, especially under the scrutiny following Saturday’s setbacks.
The race showcased the season’s intensity. Luke Browning of Hitech opted for an alternative tire strategy, clinching second but falling short of challenging Dunne’s blistering pace. Leonardo Fornaroli, despite losing the lead early, fended off pressure to claim the final podium spot and edge ahead of Richard Verschoor in the championship standings by a mere point.
Pepe Martí, the Sprint Race winner, came agonizingly close to the podium, finishing fourth after relentless pressure on Fornaroli. The Spaniard’s consistency, highlighted by his stunning charge from 11th to first on Saturday, positions him as a rising star in a fiercely competitive field.
Key moments from Bahrain
The feature race in Bahrain delivered a mix of strategy and raw speed, shaping the championship’s early narrative. Below are standout highlights:
- Perfect start: Alex Dunne capitalized on his fourth-place grid slot, surging to first in the opening corners.
- Tire mastery: Dunne’s controlled pace preserved his tires, ensuring dominance throughout the race.
- Podium duel: Fornaroli held off Martí’s late charge, securing third in a thrilling battle to the flag.
- Rare penalty: Sebastián Montoya’s five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane was the race’s only notable sanction.
Dunne’s redemption arc
Alex Dunne entered Bahrain under pressure after a turbulent Saturday. In the Sprint Race, he faced penalties for a collision with Ritomo Miyata and for breaching safety car delta times, adding ten seconds to his result and dropping him from contention. The setbacks fueled his determination, and on Sunday, he delivered a faultless performance. His first F2 win not only silenced doubters but also solidified his status as a McLaren Driver Development Programme talent to watch.
Dunne’s journey to F2 has been meteoric. A British F4 champion in 2022 and GB3 runner-up in 2023, he arrived in the series with high expectations. His adaptation to Rodin Motorsport’s car, a team climbing the ranks, has yielded dividends, with Bahrain showcasing his potential. The victory thrusts him into the spotlight, drawing attention from Formula 1 teams scouting the next generation of stars.
Beyond the track, Dunne’s composure stood out. Post-race, he emphasized staying calm after Saturday’s challenges, crediting his team for the turnaround. His ability to transform adversity into triumph sets him apart in a grid brimming with aggressive talent.
Championship fight heats up
Leonardo Fornaroli left Bahrain as the championship leader, but his one-point margin over Richard Verschoor signals a tight battle ahead. Starting from pole, Fornaroli lost ground at the start but showed grit to secure third, fending off Martí’s attacks. His consistency and speed make him a title favorite, though Verschoor and Martí loom large.
Verschoor, the championship leader entering Bahrain, had a mixed weekend. A Sprint Race podium boosted his tally, but sixth in the feature race cost him the lead. The 24-year-old Dutchman’s experience, honed since joining F2 in 2021, remains his edge in a field dominated by newcomers.
Pepe Martí’s star continues to rise. His Sprint Race win, charging from 11th, was a highlight, and his near-podium in the feature race underscored his talent. Racing for Campos, the Spaniard blends aggression with tactical nous, making him a constant threat.
Defining race moments
The Bahrain feature race ran smoothly for stewards, with minimal disruptions. Key factors that shaped the outcome include:
- Clean getaway: Unlike the Sprint Race, the feature race started without major incidents, letting leaders settle early.
- Browning’s gamble: His unique tire choice secured second but couldn’t close the gap to Dunne.
- Podium scrap: Martí’s pursuit of Fornaroli delivered one of the race’s most gripping battles.
- Tight top 10: Victor Martins and Gabriele Minì rounded out the points, showcasing the grid’s depth.
Formula 2’s evolving season
Formula 2 remains a proving ground for Formula 1 hopefuls, and this season underscores its role. With Dunne, Fornaroli, and Martí emerging, the series continues to unearth talent. The close championship fight reflects the balance between teams and drivers, with Rodin Motorsport, Hitech, and Campos Racing nurturing young stars while veterans like Verschoor add stability.
Bahrain, the season’s second round, set the tone for what’s to come. Its layout, favoring overtaking, rewarded bold strategies. The next stop, Jeddah, from April 18-20, brings a contrasting challenge with its tight, high-speed street circuit. Drivers like Dunne, who thrived in Bahrain’s open spaces, will need to adapt to Jeddah’s unforgiving walls.
New technical rules, including aerodynamic tweaks and enhanced tire compounds, have spiced up the racing. These changes, aimed at cutting costs and boosting competition, gave teams like Rodin more strategic flexibility, evident in Dunne’s tire management. The result is closer racing, as seen in Bahrain’s varied podium.
Rising stars and seasoned contenders
Victor Martins, fifth in Bahrain, is one to watch. The 2022 Formula 3 champion has grown into F2, excelling in race-long strategy. His steady points haul positions him for future podiums. Gabriele Minì, ninth, flashes raw speed but needs consistency to challenge the leaders.
Joshua Dürksen, rounding out the top 10, had a rollercoaster weekend. After a Sprint Race disqualification in Australia for technical breaches, the Paraguayan struggled in Bahrain but showed flashes of his Melbourne-winning pace. His potential remains undeniable.
Richard Verschoor anchors the veterans. Despite losing the championship lead, his Trident team’s reliability and his track knowledge—especially at Jeddah and Monaco—give him an edge. The Dutchman will need stronger results to reclaim the top spot.
Bahrain’s impact on the title race
Bahrain reshuffled the standings, but the razor-thin gaps suggest a long fight ahead. Fornaroli leads with 36 points, one ahead of Verschoor, while Martí trails with 29. Dunne’s win vaults him to 25 points, injecting him into the conversation. With 14 rounds, including grueling tracks like Spa and Abu Dhabi, consistency will decide the champion.
Bahrain’s long straights and heavy braking zones tested drivers’ stamina, with 32°C heat pushing tire management to the fore. Dunne’s command of these conditions sent a warning to rivals. His win was no fluke but a display of skill under pressure.
Jeddah looms as a stark contrast. Its high-speed corners and narrow margins punish mistakes, favoring drivers with precision. Fornaroli, a past winner there in junior series, holds an edge, but Dunne and Martí’s boldness could shake things up. Verschoor, meanwhile, aims to leverage his experience.

Upcoming race schedule
Formula 2’s packed calendar shadows Formula 1, with key rounds shaping the title fight. The next stops include:
- Jeddah (April 18-20): A street circuit demanding pinpoint accuracy amid high-speed sweeps.
- Melbourne (May 9-11): Albert Park’s return brings potential rain and overtaking chances.
- Imola (May 16-18): A technical track testing braking and corner exits.
- Monaco (May 23-25): Qualifying is king in F2’s most glamorous round.
A grid bursting with talent
Bahrain confirmed Formula 2’s status as a thriller, with Dunne’s dominance setting a high bar. Fornaroli’s lead, Martí’s flair, and Verschoor’s grit ensure no shortage of drama. Martins and Dürksen, despite inconsistency, hint at breakthroughs to come.
As F1 teams like McLaren and Ferrari monitor the grid, Bahrain highlighted why F2 matters. The next champion could be among these drivers, each vying for a shot at the top. Dunne’s win was a statement, but the season’s twists are far from over.
Jeddah awaits, promising a fresh test. Dunne’s momentum, Fornaroli’s resolve, and Martí’s hunger will collide in a championship where every lap counts. Formula 2’s future shines bright, and Bahrain was just the start.
