Durksen Dominates Final F2 Feature Race in Abu Dhabi

Joshua Durksen clinched victory in the final F2 feature race of the 2025 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a dominant performance that saw him cross the finish line over five seconds ahead of his closest rival. The race, a support event for the F1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, provided a dramatic conclusion to the F2 calendar.

Why it matters:

• The Abu Dhabi Feature Race is often a proving ground for future F1 talent, and Durksen's commanding performance will undoubtedly turn heads as teams look for promising drivers.
• The results cement final standings for the season, impacting driver careers and team prestige as the F2 grid prepares for next year.
• Unexpected penalties and strategic gambles, particularly regarding mandatory pit stops, highlighted the intense competition and strategic depth in F2.

The Details:

• Winner: Joshua Durksen (AIX Racing) secured 25 points with his victory, showcasing strong pace throughout the race.
• Podium Finishers: Roman Stanek (Invicta Racing) claimed second place, 5.5 seconds behind Durksen, earning 18 points. Gabriele Mini (Prema Racing) rounded out the podium in third, adding 15 points to his tally.
• Penalty Impact: Dino Beganovic (Hitech TGR) initially finished second but was demoted to fourth after receiving a five-second time penalty, impacting the final podium order significantly.
• Strategic Pit Stop Drama: Several front-runners, including F1-bound Arvid Lindblad, Jak Crawford, and champion Leonardo Fornaroli, led in the latter stages but had not yet made their mandatory pit stops. Their late stops on laps 30 and 31 (of a 33-lap race) caused them to drop down the order, illustrating the critical importance of pit strategy.
• Top Points Scorers (Provisional):
  • 1st: Joshua Durksen (AIX Racing) - 25 points
  • 2nd: Roman Stanek (Invicta Racing) - 18 points
  • 3rd: Gabriele Mini (Prema Racing) - 15 points
  • 4th: Dino Beganovic (Hitech TGR) - 12 points
  • 5th: Oliver Goethe (MP Motorsport) - 10 points

The Big Picture:

This race closed out an exciting F2 season, serving as a crucial indicator of emerging talent and strategic acumen. While the F2 championship was already decided, the final feature race offered a last chance for drivers to impress, secure points for their teams, and build momentum for their careers, potentially catching the eye of F1 recruiters. The drama surrounding pit stops underscored how even in the final race, every strategic decision can be pivotal.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the off-season, with teams and drivers evaluating performances and planning for the 2026 F2 season. Many drivers from this year's grid will be looking to advance their careers, with some, like Arvid Lindblad, already confirmed for F1. The final results will influence team compositions and driver opportunities in the competitive ladder of motorsport.