Indian driver Jehan Daruvala records second F2 race win in Abu Dhabi

On his way to his second race win of the 2021 Formula 2 season, Indian driver Jehan Daruvala put up a strong defence in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. After qualifying 10th for the feature race, the 23-year-old from Mumbai started the sprint race from reverse grid pole position. The Indian, who was racing for Carlin, did well to maintain his position on the first lap before Felipe Drugovich put him under tremendous pressure for the majority of the 23-lap race. Jehan pulled away near the end to cross the finish line two seconds ahead of Drugovich of Brazil.

Oscar Piastri of Australia finished third to win Formula 2 in his rookie season, joining Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc and George Russell in winning the feeder series in their first season. It was a much-needed victory for Jehan after the disappointment in Saudi Arabia last week. 

Second win of the year for @DaruvalaJehan! ???

It was a lights-to-flag victory for the @CarlinRacing driver ?#AbuDhabiGP ?? #F2 pic.twitter.com/CyNGfVlgEb

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) December 11, 2021

He hopes to keep his seat on the Red Bull junior driver programme and compete in Formula 2 for a third season in order to be eligible for a Formula 1 drive in 2023. For the 2022 Formula One season, all seats have been assigned. Jehan’s victory in the sprint race was his third in Formula 2 after victories in Bahrain last year and Monza earlier this year.

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“Back on the top step after a disappointing weekend in Jeddah where I didn’t take many points, so it is good to start off the weekend with a victory. We weren’t too strong in Quali, but our race pace looked pretty strong,” Daruvala said to the Formula 2 website.

“I had a great battle with Felipe (Drugovich) at one point and we were side-by-side for a couple of corners, but I managed to stick it out in front. The car felt good, and I just took it to the chequered flag. Congratulations to Oscar (Piastri), I didn’t think that I would see him on the podium from 10th, but a big well done to him, he has dominated the whole year,” he added.