Formula 2: Tuscan Grand Prix Preview

Formula 2 heads to the Tuscan hills in the midst of one of the greatest title battles in the series’ history – who will strike hardest at Mugello?

The series seemingly has seven potential title contenders, with only 47 points separating championship leader Callum Ilott with his UNI-Virtuosi team-mate, Guanyu Zhou, who sits seventh.

Between them are a whole host of remarkably talented drivers – all of which have major championship aspirations and some of which feel that they warrant a seat in Formula One.

Championship Standings

1. Callum Ilott 149 points
2. Mick Schumacher 143 points
3. Robert Shwartzman 140 points
4. Yuki Tsunoda 123 points
5. Christian Lundgaard 116 points
6. Nikita Mazepin 102 points
7. Guanyu Zhou 102 points.

The top three drivers all come from the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA), therefore, the pressure to outperform their rivals will be higher as they all aim to secure a seat at the Alfa Romeo F1 Team.

Out of the three, the form guide is looking the strongest for Ilott.

The British driver has only failed to miss out on the top three once in qualifying this season at Spa – Francorchamps and with overtaking expected to be challenging at the Italian circuit, he could have an advantage.

Shwartzman, in contrast, has struggled with one lap pace and will be looking to rectify those struggles at the high-speed circuit.

That leaves Schumacher, the son of the seven-time world champion has found his form in recent rounds – taking his first F2 Feature Race win at Monza last time outbuilding on this similarly to his Euro F3 championship win in 2018 will be vital.

Intriguingly, the lack of contemporary data at the Mugello circuit could allow a relative minnow to spring a surprise – with the top teams having less of an advantage in this regard.

This could harm Juri Vips – the Red Bull junior joined the F2 fraternity mid-season and has less knowledge in the car – coupled with the team’s inexperience at the circuit means he will not be able to lean on his mechanics as much for set up advice.

The high-speed Mugello circuit will put the drivers at the forefront – with fast corners such as the fabled Arrabbiata section expected to draw the best out of the drivers.

These cars – which have less downforce than their F1 counterparts – will not be flat through those sections, which will leave the drivers under immense stress as they’re forced to thread the car through this old school circuit with little-to-no room to manoeuvre. 

Practice begins on Friday morning for the ninth round of the Formula 2 season.