During the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, the excitement was palpable as the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 qualifiers took to the track on March 14. The day's standout moments included impressive performances from rookies and seasoned drivers alike, setting the stage for thrilling races over the weekend.
Starting with Formula 2, Gabriele Minì from PREMA Racing clinched pole position, marking a remarkable achievement as he embarks on his first full season in the series. "It was amazing, and every push lap we did had us in the top two or three," said Minì. His fast lap time showcased his hard work during the winter and his past experience. Reflecting on his recent appearance at the end of the previous season, he added, "Having a strong teammate really helps, as you can see the differences between driving styles." Minì’s qualifying effort did not come without challenges, as he noted, "There was a potential impeding incident with Jak Crawford at turn 4, but we'll see what race control decides. I tried to avoid him, but it was all part of the hectic session."
Victor Martins, racing for ART Grand Prix, also had an impressive day, securing second place on the grid, which marked his 11th front row start in the series. When asked about his session, Martins said, "I was on provisional pole until Gabriele's last lap. I was hoping to keep it, but I'm happy to be on the front row regardless." He described feeling more confident heading to this season compared to last, stating, "We know the performance we’re targeting, and the direction for our development is clear. Everyone is happy, and we’re enjoying being here for the first round. Now we look forward to the races."
Jak Crawford for DAMS Lucas Oil qualified third but will face penalties on the grid. Reflecting positively on his performance, he remarked, "I’m really pleased with today. It’s great to be competitive after the struggles last year. I showed good pace and I think we can get good points this weekend." Regarding the impeding incident with Minì, he mentioned, "I was going for one last glory lap and just came across Gabi. It wasn’t ideal, but those things happen."
Meanwhile, the FIA Formula 3 qualifiers were just as thrilling, with Rafael Câmara of TRIDENT taking pole position. "I couldn't ask for more. It’s been the perfect start for the championship, but I know it’s just the first race," Câmara said after his impressive drive. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and consistency for the upcoming races, considering the challenges of the championship's long format.
Second place went to Câmara’s teammate, Noah Stromsted, who expressed satisfaction with the team's performance. "It was great for the team to achieve this one-two position. The car was fantastic, thanks to all the hard work we put in over the winter," he noted. Knowing the unpredictability of racing, especially with rain predicted for one of the races, he remained focused on adaptability and strategy.
Théophile Nael from Van Amersfoort Racing rounded out the top three qualifiers. Despite wrapping up qualifying successfully, he faced scrutiny after being involved in an incident with the blower. "I didn’t get to discuss it much with my team post-qualifying, but we had great pace today overall," Nael reflected, underscoring the need for continued development to fully understand their new car's performance.
Looking forward to tomorrow's races, Minì, Martins, and Crawford have set themselves up for what promises to be fiercely contested competitions. Similarly, Câmara, Stromsted, and Nael are poised to make bold moves and prove their mettle on the Australian track. With the weather adding uncertainty and tension, every driver must adapt their strategy to seize opportunities and navigate challenges effectively.
Both Formula 2 and Formula 3 drivers will hit the track again on March 15 for their respective races, promising excitement for fans around the world. The narratives of potential rivalries, strategic battles, and individual achievements will all play out under the thrilling backdrop of the Australian Grand Prix, as these talented drivers gear up for what could be pivotal moments early in their racing careers.