Jehan Daruvala wins in Abu Dhabi for his second race victory of 2021 Formula 2 season

India’s Jehan Daruvala has a strong defense on the way to its second race victory of the 2021 Formula 2 season, Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The 23-year-old from Mumbai started the sprint race on reverse grid pole position after qualifying 10th for the main race. The Indian did well to maintain his position in the opening round before Felipe Drugovich put him under tremendous pressure for most of the 23-lap race. Jehan pulled away towards the end to cross the checkered flag two seconds ahead of Brazil’s Drugovich.

Second victory of the year for @DaruvalaJehan!

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

– Formula 2 (@ Formule2) 11 December 2021

Australian Oscar Piastri finished third to secure the Formula 2 title in his rookie year, joining Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc and George Russell, who won the feed series in their debut season.

For Jehan, it was a much-needed victory after the disappointment in Saudi Arabia last week. He wants to retain his seat on the Red Bull junior driver program and do a third season in Formula 2 to have a chance at a Formula 1 ride in 2023.

All seats have been decided for the 2022 Formula 1 season.

The sprint victory was Jehan’s third of his Formula 2 career after Bahrain last year and Monza earlier this year.

“Back on the top flight after a disappointing weekend in Jeddah where I did not take many points, so it’s good to start the weekend with a win. We were not too strong in Quali, but our race pace has been quite strongly equal.

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“I had a big fight with Felipe (Drugovich) at one point and we were next to each other for a few turns, but I managed to stick it out in front. The car felt good, and I got it. just after the checkered flag.

“Congratulations to Oscar (Piastri), I did not think I would see him on the podium from 10th, but a big well done to him, he dominated all year,” Jehan told the Formula 2 website .