In an intense qualifying session at the Yas Marina Circuit, French driver Victor Martins took home pole position, securing the two points, that would have been crucial for Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto.
The fight for the Formula 2 Championship 2024 had continued as the drivers prepared themselves for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying session. All eyes were on Championship contenders Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar as only half a point separated them from clinching the title. Rookie Paul Aron could not be counted out because he was still mathematically a contender too.
The day’s earlier Free Practice had set the tone, with Isack Hadjar seizing early momentum by claiming the top spot, positioning himself just ahead of his title rival Gabriel Bortoleto. The potential two points for Pole Position loomed large in this high-stakes championship battle.
Green light
As the qualifying session started, the track was buzzing with anticipation. Victor Martins quickly established himself as a formidable competitor, setting an initial benchmark time that challenged the championship contenders. Hadjar’s first attempt proved challenging, landing him in P14 and suggesting a potentially difficult session ahead.
PREMA Racing demonstrated their team’s strength, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman securing fourth and fifth positions in the early stages. The competition intensified as Bortoleto skilfully navigated the circuit, narrowly beating Martins in the first sector and claiming provisional pole with a time of 1:36.050.
Martins responded with a blistering improvement, clocking 1:35.745 and reclaiming the top spot. Hadjar, undeterred by his earlier struggles, remained confident.
Isack is still feeling confident 😅
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) December 6, 2024
We're set for an exciting final push 🤩#F2 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/qn9Pd6kBug
Paul Aron maintained his championship hopes, positioning himself just 0.001 seconds behind Hadjar.
Red flag
A red flag interrupted the session when Rafael Villagomez’s car came to a stop. Dino Beganovic seized the opportunity, advancing to fourth place and displacing Aron.
RED FLAGS 🚩
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) December 6, 2024
Rafael Villagomez has stopped #F2 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/fuBAwvKtlY
The final moments of qualifying became a test. Despite intense efforts, neither Bortoleto nor Martins could further improve their times. Hadjar’s ultimate lap fell short of expectations, leaving the top positions largely unchanged.
Martins took home Pole Position, followed by Bortoleto. Aron was once again in between Bortoleto and Hadjar in third. Hadjar and Beganovic round out the top five.
The top 10 was completed by Maini, Martí, Miyata, Duerksen, and Cordeel, with the Hitech driver notably making improvements on the final run.
