Race and classic pictures

Pourchaire crowned F2 champion in Abu Dhabi thriller

In a thrilling season finale of the FIA Formula 2 Championship in Abu Dhabi, but ART Grand Prix’s Theo Pourchaire clinched the title despite a late challenge from Frederik Vesti.

Pourchaire, starting from 14th on the grid, strategically pitted early and made his way up the field, while Vesti, starting ninth, had to battle his way through the pack.

Both drivers traded positions in the closing laps, but Pourchaire held on to finish fifth, securing the championship by 11 points.

Jack Doohan took the race victory, while Victor Martins and Vesti completed the podium.

Jack Doohan, F2 feature race winner in Abu Dhabi.

Throughout the season, Pourchaire consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and make calculated decisions under pressure.

The 20-year-old Frenchman’s crowning – achieved in his third season in the feeder series –
is a well-deserved reward for his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

But despite his remarkable achievement, Theo Pourchaire's path to Formula 1 remains uncertain due to the limited availability of seats in the pinnacle of motorsport.

This situation highlights the challenges faced by talented young drivers in their pursuit of a career in Grand Prix racing, despite the FIA Formula 2 Championship's intended role as a feeder series.

Pourchaire's story underscores the need for increased opportunities for promising young drivers to showcase their talents and progress to the highest level of motorsport.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.