The 20-year-old Brazilian arrives in Abu Dhabi, the stage of the Championship’s final round, leading the standings.

This weekend, from December 6th to 8th, marks the conclusion of the tightest season in the recent history of the Formula 2 World Championship. The 14th and final round of the season will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. After 26 races so far, only half a point separates the leader, Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA), from the second-placed driver, Isac Hadjar (FRA).

Following a season start marked by mechanical problems, struggles at the start, and a few crashes, Bortoleto — F3 World Champion in 2023 — found his way to the podium and built his lead in the competition with an incredible upward trajectory.
Last Sunday, in Lusail, Qatar, he won the main race of the 13th round, but due to a procedural error during a pit stop, he was penalized by 5 seconds and ended up in third place.

This weekend, the challenges of the track, known as the “Monaco of the East,” will be a bit different. The circuit, featuring 16 corners and stretching nearly 6,000 meters, is completed in a counter-clockwise direction. There are two consecutive DRS activation zones, which greatly facilitate overtaking. The circuit’s high-medium speed characteristics also play a significant role.
As for the title, the math is very simple for Gabriel — finish ahead of Hadjar in both races!

“We worked very hard throughout the entire year and now arrive at the Grand Finale leading the Championship. I’m very focused and really want to cap off my rookie F2 season with this title. We have the advantage of the excellent performance we’ve shown in the last rounds, and I’m confident it will be no different here in Yas Marina. I will certainly race for the title but will approach it the same way I have all year—giving my all in every session until the Feature Race!” explained the Brazilian, sponsored by Banco BRB, Porto, Snapdragon, O Boticário, and Barthelemy.

Check out the weekend schedule in Abu Dhabi (Brasília time):

FIA Formula 2
14th Round | Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Friday (12/06)
03:05 – 03:50 | Free Practice
08:00 – 08:30 | Qualifying

Saturday (12/07)
09:15 – 10:05 | Sprint Race

Sunday (12/08)
06:25 – 07:30 | Feature Race

Broadcasts:
Practice, Qualifying, and Sprint Race: BandSports
Feature Race: BAND

Pictures: James Gasperotti | KTF Sports

Press office of Gabriel Bortoleto
Responsible journalist: Flávio Quick