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Writer's pictureCaitlyn Gordon

F2: Zak O'Sullivan claims victory in a shortened and red-flagged sprint


Credits: Zak O'Sullivan


Formula 2 heads to Belgium for its tenth round of the 2024 season. The championship battle is beginning to heat up with the top three separated by 30 points. 


Qualifying recap


Paul Aron began the weekend off with an advantage in the fight after qualifying on pole position with a 1:56.959.


After receiving a 10-place grid penalty in the last round in Hungary, the Estonian will start the Sprint Race from last.


Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar round out the top three for Sunday’s feature race. 


After a sensational last-lap attempt, Zak O’Sullivan would start the sprint race from reverse pole position.


A delayed, red-flagged, shortened, sprint race


Conditions were bleak for Saturday’s sprint race, with torrential rain pouring down onto the circuit all afternoon. 


The original start time for F2 was postponed due to the standing water remaining on the track. Despite the later start time, the rain continued to hit, meaning after only seven laps, the sprint was called off with half points awarded only to the top five. 


“The decision not to resume the FIA Formula 2 sprint race was taken due to the lack of visibility caused by the level of rain we have experienced in the past few hours coupled with the high-speed characteristics of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.


“The safety of drivers, team members, volunteers, officials and spectators is our main priority.” The FIA said in a statement addressing the shortened race.


In the short racing time, Zak O’Sullivan was able to claim his second victory of the season with Hauger and Verschoor grabbing a podium finish.


The Briton had a stellar start to the race, pulling away from the pack and creating a gap of over two seconds. Zane Maloney was able to make up a position on the first lap, securing his spot in fourth position.


Oliver Bearman had started in 14th and by the second lap had already made up six positions, grabbing eighth place from the championship leader, Isack Hadjar.


Antonelli ran wheel-to-wheel with Franco Colapinto when the pair headed into La Source. The young Italian overtook Colapinto as they headed into Eau Rouge, grabbing sixth position. His teammate moved on the Argentinian a corner later, securing seventh place.


Racing action was halted after Pepe Martí stopped on the track, bringing out the safety car on lap four. After four laps around the track, it was concluded that the race would be red-flagged and not resumed after it was deemed racing conditions were not safe. 


The points-scoring positions



Credit: Formula 2

1 - Zak O’Sullivan

2 - Dennis Hauger

3 - Richard Verschoor

4 - Zane Maloney

5 - Jak Crawford

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