Bahrain Grand Prix – F2 Qualifying: Hadjar starts strong, Prema misses out

One year after Théo Pourchaire’s exceptional pole position with seven tenths advantage, it is Kush Maini who was the fastest in the qualifying session in Bahrain. The Indian, a member of the Alpine Academy, secures his first pole position in the category ahead of his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto.

The Brazilian, crushing F3 champion in 2023, discovers the higher category in a very beautiful way by securing a 100% Invicta front row. Isack Hadjar is also successful for his debut with Campos. The Red Bull protege signs the third time in qualifying after being the fastest in free practice this morning.

Martins discreet, Prema passes by.

His compatriot Victor Martins has been surprisingly much more discreet. The best rookie of 2023 never seemed capable of playing the pole and settles for 9th place. A blessing in disguise since it will allow him to start 2nd in the sprint race, behind the rookie Taylor Barnard.

Victor Martins can also take comfort in seeing that Oliver Bearman, his main rival for the title, had a difficult session. The British driver, a standout from the Ferrari Driver Academy, is only in 19th place, just behind his Prema teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The 17-year-old Italian, sponsored by Mercedes, is highly anticipated this season after winning the last four championships he has competed in. He is a candidate for Lewis Hamilton’s seat in 2025, but will first have to adapt to Formula 2.

Kush Maini disqualified

Since the qualifying sessions, the FIA has announced the disqualification of Kush Maini for incorrect settings on his single-seater. Despite having secured pole position, he finds himself at the back of the grid. Therefore, Gabriel Bortoleto is the new pole position holder and will be joined on the front row by Isack Hadjar.

The starting grid of the main race

The starting grid of the sprint race