Despite participating in only three rounds of the 2024 FIA Formula 2 championship, Christian Mansell ended the season with 10 points after three points-place finishes. The Australian driver, who placed fifth in the 2024 FIA Formula 3 championship after a successful season with ART Grand Prix, made his F2 debut during the Azerbaijan GP weekend, replacing Roman Staněk.
Mansell enjoys successful F2 debut weekend
Mansell enjoyed a successful start to his F2 career. He qualified P10 during the Baku F2 round, despite a lengthy pause caused by the red flag brought out after Campos teammates Isack Hadjar and Pepe Martí went into the barriers after locking up into Turn 1.
Mansell subsequently started Saturday’s sprint race from pole position. However, despite taking an early lead, an unfortunate lock-up saw him drop to second behind fellow F2 debutant Gabriele Minì. Despite a strong defensive performance, Mansell could not keep ahead of the more experienced drivers and ultimately finished P8, 13.436 seconds behind AIX Racing’s Joshua Dürksen.
Though not the start to his F2 career that he would have hoped for, Mansell’s strong performance during the Baku sprint race earned him his first F2 championship point. He would add another point to this tally one day later.
Mansell started the 2024 F2 Baku feature race from the fifth row, beside MP Motorsport’s Dennis Hauger who started from P9. However, while Mansell enjoyed a strong start off the line, this was immediately negated after a frightening accident between several drivers brought the race to an early pause.
Due to the extensive clean-up required, only 17 of the 29 laps could be completed, the final two of which were done under safety car conditions after Minì crashed into the barriers at Turn 15. Though Mansell put in a strong effort during the shortened race, even working his way up to P6 at one point, the Australian was ultimately to find a net gain in position. He finished 10th of the 15 drivers to complete the disrupted race.
Mansell recovers well after disappointing Qatar sprint
Unfortunately, the 2024 Lusail F2 round did not get off to the best start for Mansell who qualified P20 after enduring unexpectedly chilly conditions during Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions. Though the Australian was able to gain positions, helped by the retirements of Martí, Goethe, Maini and Antonelli, he could not make his way into the points, finishing P15, just behind Trident teammate Max Esterson.
Mansell did, however, enjoy better fortunes during Sunday’s feature race. Though all eyes were on Paul Aron who secured his maiden victory at the Lusail International Circuit, and on championship contenders Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar, Mansell put in an exceptional performance and climbed to P6, adding another eight points to his F2 tally.
Mansell suffers disappointing end to 2024 F2 stint
Mansell’s points in Qatar would unfortunately be his last for the season. As in the Qatar qualifying session, Mansell suffered disappointment during the 2024 Yas Island F2 round when he qualified P21 out of the 22 drivers. He would, however, start both the sprint and feature races from P19 after Hitech Pulse Eight’s Paul Aron was disqualified and Prema Racing’s Andrea Kimi Antonelli withdrew due to illness. Unfortunately, Mansell could not score points in either race. He finished both in P16, ultimately ending the season 25th in the drivers’ championship standings with 10 points.
Mansell to race with Rodin Motorsport in 2025
Despite a disappointing end to 2024, Mansell will be able to showcase his driving skills during the 2025 FIA F2 championship. However, Mansell will not continue with Trident.
Instead, as announced in November 2024, the Australian will be racing with Rodin Motorsport. He had previously raced with Carlin and Carlin Motorsport, predecessors to Rodin Motorsport, in the 2020 F4 British Championship, the 2021 GB3 Championship, and 2021 Euroformula Open Championship.
