With the grid finalised, F2 fans can now turn their attention to the opening round of the championship.
The series will resume from 18th-20th March in Bahrain – The same weekend and place that the F1 season kicks off.
As confirmed by the official Formula 2 Twitter account, the final seat on the F2 grid has gone to Richard Verschoor, who will race for Trident Racing. The Dutch driver graduated to F2 last season when he raced for MP Motorsport.
Verschoor won his first F2 race in the second sprint race at Silverstone. Unfortunately, budget constraints meant he couldn’t complete the season and he was subsequently replaced by Jack Doohan for the final two rounds.
However, in another twist of fate, he went on to deputise for the injured Charouz Racing System driver Enzo Fittipaldi in the final round.
Formula 2
The 2022 F2 grid will feature 10 rookies to the category, with Hitech Grand Prix the only team to not field a half rookie line-up. There, Jüri Vips retains his seat. Whilst Liam Lawson, who has moved to Carlin, is replaced by fellow countryman Marcus Armstrong.
Image Credit: @Formula2 on Twitter
Also, another New Zealander, champion Oscar Piastri, leaves the series. The winner of the previous season is not permitted to remain in the category. Therefore, Piastri will be Alpine’s reserve driver for the 2022 F1 season.
In addition to Verschoor, the rest of the rookie class has graduated from F3, including reigning champion Dennis Hauger.
The notable exception to this is the new Charouz Racing System driver Cem Bölükbasi. The Turkish driver originally cut his racing teeth in F1 esports. Cem has also raced in the GT4 European Series and F3 Asian Championship (now called Formula Regional Asian Championship).
Formula 3
The Formula 3 grid still has three spots left to be filled. Hitech Grand Prix, Jenzer Motorsport and Carlin are the teams yet to complete their line-ups.
Image Credit: @Formula3 on Twitter
MP Motorsport have recently signed their third driver, Kush Maini, who steps up from the F3 Asian Championship.
Including Maini, there are now 14 confirmed rookies for the F3 season. Once the remaining places are allocated, there is a good chance that of the 30 seats available, over half will be filled by drivers in their first F3 season.
Carlin have confirmed two rookie drivers, in what could be an all-rookie line-up. They’ve already secured the services of highly touted Brit Zak O’Sullivan. Their second seat has gone to American Brad Benavides.
In further notable news, Charles Leclerc’s younger brother, Arthur, remains at Prema Racing for a second consecutive season.
Feature Image Credit: Michael Regen – Formula 1 via Getty Images