Your support helps us tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word,’ which shines a light on American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know the importance of analyzing the facts of messaging. .
At such a critical moment in American history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to block Americans from our reporting and analysis with a paywall. We believe that quality journalism should be available to everyone, and paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes a difference.
Brazilian driver Gabriel Borteleto won the 2024 title F2 championship at the end of the season in Abu Dhabi after the rival’s title Isaac Hadjar dramatically stopped at the beginning.
While Bortoleto took the lead after the lights went out from second on the grid, French driver Hadjar (starting third) failed to clear the finish line.
Hadjar, who is fighting for a place in F1 Red BullIts sister team RB 2025 was sent back to the pits but managed to get going again. However, he was two laps down in the 33-lap race.
Bortoleto, 20, eventually finished second, while Hadjar finished a lap lower. Bortoleto becomes the first driver since Oscar Piastri to win F3 and F2 consecutively.
“Yeah, I’ve been procrastinating, I need an explanation, man,” Hadjar said at the start. “I can’t believe all this hard work for it. Worst moment of my life, right now.”
His engineer replied, “Yes, I imagine, yes. Same for me.”
Bortoleto, who will drive in Formula 1 for Sauber next year, led by 4.5 points in the last race of the season and got off to a dream start.
However, after the first round of pit stops, he dropped to P10 and complained of struggling with the brakes.
At this stage, his Invicta Racing has made him aware that all he effectively needs to do to win the title is finish the race, or at least finish in the top 10.
Still, Bortoleto made some moves and ended up finishing just two seconds behind race winner Joshua Durksen.
“Let’s go, it was amazing,” Bortoleto said after the checkered flag.
Bortoleto will drive alongside Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber next year – the first Brazilian driver in Formula 1 since Felipe Massa in 2017.
Hadjar is also fighting for promotion to F1. Should Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull (as expected), Hadjar is an obvious candidate for RB.