The scheduled Formula 2 Feature Race on March 16, 2025, was abruptly canceled due to severe weather conditions at Melbourne's Albert Park, marking a disappointing start to the season for drivers and fans alike.
Originally set to begin at 11:30 AM local time, the race faced delays from the outset as torrential rain swept across the track, leading to hazardous conditions. A 'track clear' message was issued by race control at 11:54 AM, and officials initially attempted to conduct formation laps shortly after the hour. Unfortunately, the rain intensified, creating unsafe conditions, which eventually forced race control to cancel the event.
FIA Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel addressed the cancellation, stating, “I feel sorry for the fans who wanted to see us race and also for our teams and drivers who came all the way to Melbourne, but safety takes precedence. We tried everything we could to make it happen, but the track conditions were too dangerous, which the drivers confirmed over the radio, so the right call was to cancel.”
Despite not completing any racing laps, ART Grand Prix driver Victor Martins, who started from pole position, will be awarded two points for his qualifying effort. This marks the first Formula 2 race of the season, and with the cancellation, no points will be distributed for this event.
The cancellation also followed the earlier decision to end the Formula 3 Feature Race prematurely due to similar weather conditions. Such circumstances have heightened concerns about the viability of driving under rain-soaked tracks, which raises safety issues for both drivers and fans.
Victor Martins had expressed optimism prior to the race, eager to kickstart his championship campaign after securing pole position on Friday. But as the day progressed, conditions worsened, eliminating the hopes of racing fans who filled the stands, anticipating thrilling competition.
Before the chaos unfolded on the track, the plan was to clear the water and begin racing. Initial delays were caused by technical issues involving Richard Verschoor’s MP Motorsport team, complicatively followed by Oliver Goethe spinning during the subsequent formation lap, which emphasized the risk of proceeding under such conditions.
With time running out and heavy rain persisting, it became increasingly evident to race officials and teams alike: the race was not going to happen. The official announcement of cancellation came as disappointment washed over the venue, with fans left to wonder about when they might next see their favorite drivers on the track.
F2's next scheduled event will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit from April 11 to 13, 2025. That race is particularly significant as Joshua Duerksen currently leads the championship following his Sprint Race victory on March 15, 2025. Leonardo Fornaroli and Luke Browning currently sit in second and third places respectively.
Despite the disappointment, the focus is now on the upcoming race weekend, as teams and drivers prepare for their next challenges. Preparations for both the Bahrain Grand Prix and the series as a whole continue, with hopes high for clearer skies and successful racing thereafter.
What remains now is for fans to find solace knowing their passion for the sport remains undeterred, promising excitement as this season of Formula 2 continues, albeit with some unfortunate disruptions from Mother Nature. With good weather and strong racing, the next race promises to bring the thrills back to the track and fans everywhere.