For the first time, Formula 2 headed across the ocean to race on American soil in Miami. The sprint race saw Nikola Tsolov on reverse pole after qualifying tenth. The Campos Racing driver was able to take the first F2 Miami Sprint win, but it wasn’t an easy victory. The win also sees Tsolov strengthen his championship lead.
An Interrupted Start
After achieving his maiden pole position for the feature race, Kush Maini was lining up tenth on the reverse grid for today’s sprint. As the formation lap began, the Indian driver stalled on the grid, bringing out a yellow flag. Unable to restart his car, Maini was pushed back to the pit lane, where he had to start. It was the beginning for the end to his race, and ultimately, Maini retired on Lap 13.
Also starting out of position was Rafael Villagómez. After not slowing down through a yellow flag during practice, the stewards handed him a ten-place grid penalty for both the sprint and feature races. Consequently, he was starting both races last on the grid.
When the green flag finally waved, Nikola Tsolov got a good start off the line ahead of Laurens van Hoepen. In contrast, third place started Oliver Goethe was slow to start and dropped places. Both Joshua Dürksen and Nicolás Varrone capitalised on Goethe’s poor start, and joined the initial fight for P1.
Brief Yellow Flags and Investigations
The grid were relatively calm during the sprint race. Some drivers, such as Tsolov, Roman Bilinsky, and Colton Herta, struggled for grip at times, going wide at the chicane. But whilst plenty of battles happened across the grid, the drivers were able to stay out of trouble.
Laps 10 and 14 saw brief yellow flags brought out. After slowing down on track, Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak was dropping down the order. As the yellow flag was shown, both him and Villagómez entered the pits to retire, suggesting they could have come together. The yellow during Lap 14 was even shorter, but was followed by tomorrow’s pole sitter retiring.
After briefly touching the rear of Dürksen, Varrone was noted for causing contact. Fortunately, neither car sustained damage and there was no further action. A penalty was handed out for Emerson Fittipaldi though, after he overtook Herta off track. Due to going over the curb, Fittipaldi damaged his suspension and retired. However, just after retiring, he received a ten-second penalty.
The Fight To Win the Miami Sprint
Despite winning from pole, Tsolov’s victory didn’t come easily. During the early stages, he was able to defend against van Hoepen and Dürksen, who were both in DRS range. But after cutting the chicane, on Lap 13, van Hoepen made a move for P1. What followed was a ten lap battle for the win, seeing the Campos Racing and Trident drivers switching positions.
Dürksen’s tyres started to degrade and he subsequently dropped out of the winning fight. Both Alexander Dunne and Varrone were able to overtake him in the closing laps, and the Invicta Racing driver ultimately finished fifth. After overtaking Dürksen, Dunne was able to close the gap to the front duo, and by the final lap he was threatening for one of the top two spots.
After switching positions throughout the final laps, van Hoepen started the final lap in P1. With Tsolov and Dunne within striking range, he had to be perfect. Unfortunately, he went wide, losing his small advantage. Tsolov took the opportunity on the back straight, and retook the lead. He was able to defend in the final corners to take his second win this season.
After a lengthy break, Tsolov came into the weekend as the reigning winner and championship leader. However, a poor practice session put Campos Racing on the back foot for the weekend. Tsolov and van Hoepen went toe to toe throughout the sprint, providing an intense battle for the maiden Miami victory. Coming out of top, Tsolov strengthens his championship lead, whereas van Hoepen jumps up to second.
After the heat and sunshine of today, tomorrow’s feature race could be a different picture. With threats of rain, the main event could be an unknown. Tsolov will start from tenth, whereas Maini gets a second opportunity after his disappointing race today.