FIA FORMULA 2 AT LUSAIL: FIRST DECISIVE WEEKEND IN THE BATTLE FOR THE TITLE

Formula 2 heads to Qatar this weekend for the penultimate round of the season, always a crucial moment when every point can shift the momentum in the championship fight. At Lusail, a demanding circuit, the smallest mistake can be costly ahead of the Abu Dhabi finale.

The Lusail layout, known for its high-speed corners, requires total technical mastery. The long, flowing sections place heavy stress on the tyres, with degradation set to be one of the key factors of the weekend. The rapid sequences will force drivers to find the right balance between attack and preservation.

At Lusail, nailing qualifying is often decisive. The circuit’s high average speed makes overtaking more difficult, increasing the importance of starting well on the grid. A perfectly executed lap can pave the way for a solid weekend, while a poor Friday usually forces drivers into taking extra risks during the races. The long main straight does offer opportunities, but it leads into a tricky Turn 1 where incidents are far from uncommon.

Pressure rising for the title contenders

At this stage of the season, the five remaining title contenders have no margin for error across the final two weekends. Leonardo Fornaroli arrives in Qatar with a comfortable 19-point advantage over Jak Crawford, the latest race winner in Baku.

Behind them, the championship is extremely tight, with Luke Browning and Richard Verschoor standing out as two of the strongest performers of 2025. Alex Dunne, who has delivered multiple standout performances this season, remains mathematically in the title fight, though his chances are slim.

Still, he is widely considered the favourite for the 2026 campaign, again with Rodin but without McLaren support. Strategy will also play a major role on a circuit like Lusail.

Changes on the grid

Several drivers will be discovering Formula 2 this weekend in Qatar, while others will continue their learning process. Nikola Tsolov, who will be on the grid in 2026, replaces Pepe Martí for the final two rounds of the season, while Martinius Stenshorne steps in for Amaury Cordeel. Laurens Van Hopen will continue his development with a second weekend at Trident. Alongside Tsolov, another rookie will make his debut: James Wharton joins Trident for this penultimate round of the F2 season.

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