Melbourne, Australia, played host to the captivating opening weekend of the 2025 FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships, where the thrills of motorsport emerged once again at Albert Park Circuit from March 14 to 16. Amid heavy rain and challenging conditions, drivers showcased their prowess as they kicked off the new season.
The Formula 2 races on the weekend started dramatically. Joshua Dürksen emerged victorious during Saturday's Sprint Race, having displayed exceptional composure throughout the race. The young driver overcame multiple incidents and safety car deployments, including significant crashes involving other competitors like Victor Martins and Trident teammates Max Esterson and Sami Meguetounif.
"It was challenging on track with the safety car situations, but I managed to keep my cool and bring it home first," Dürksen remarked following his win. Leonardo Fornaroli and Luke Browning chased him down, finishing second and third, respectively, showcasing their potential for the season.
Marred by heavy rains, the Feature Race on Sunday underwent cancellation after two attempts to commence behind the safety car failed to meet safety standards. This decision reflected the dedication of the FIA to prioritize driver safety over racing excitement.
Dürksen leads the championship standings, albeit by just two points over Fornaroli, emphasizing the competitiveness expected as the season progresses. For many drivers, the conditions accentuated their challenges and opportunities for growth.
Simultaneously, Australian fans were treated to the opening round of the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship, which witnessed Santiago Ramos claim his maiden victory at the Sprint Race, showcasing impressive form from pole position. Martinius Stenshorne and Rodin Motorsport's Roman Bilinski finished closely behind. The pace and tactics displayed during the race underscored the fierce competition among the young talents.
The Feature Race was led by Rafael Câmara, whose performance was remarkable as he navigated through challenging wet conditions, pursuing victory confidently amid multiple safety car restarts. Câmara’s seamless handling earned him and his TRIDENT team significant points and set the tone for what looks to be another exciting season.
All eyes were on Wurz, who finished sixth during the Feature Race and expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, saying, "I mean I think on Sunday we had really, really strong pace. But the only thing was my visor fogged up fully plus the visibility is really bad. I think I was on pace to be the fastest in the wet, but it was difficult to make decisive moves owing to the conditions."
The shows of strength from both F2 and F3 teams during the weekend were commendable. TRIDENT's resilience is particularly noteworthy, as all three of their F3 cars and both of their Formula 2 cars retired due to collision damage during Saturday's Sprint. Team morale remained high, and Wurz remained optimistic, emphasizing, "It’s just great being with such a strong team. We came back stronger after the setbacks and it’s fired us up for the next test days and races."
While the weekend’s F2 and F3 events captivated audiences, prominent motorsport occurrences also unfolded elsewhere. The 73rd Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring spotlighted Porsche’s dominance as they celebrated victories at the prestigious endurance race. The No. 7 Porsche 963 snatched victory from the competition, driven by Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, and Laurens Vanthoor. The sister car finished just 2.239 seconds behind, showcasing the strategic brilliance of the Porsche Penske Racing team.
Addressing the Sebring dominance, Nasr stated post-race: "This is what racing is all about! It's not just these wins; it's about the teamwork, strategies, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the track."
Comparably, Marc Marquez continued to solidify his place at the forefront of motorcycle racing. He claimed victory at the Gran Premio YPF Energía de Argentina, marking his fourth win of the season. His driving showcased dominance and tactical prowess against strong competition, including his brother, Alex Marquez.
With the NASCAR Cup Series returning to action, Josh Berry etched his name in history claiming his first victory with Wood Brothers Racing at Las Vegas. Driving the No. 21 Ford, the up-and-coming driver expertly navigated the circuits and overcame late-race competition by passing Daniel Suarez with just 19 laps remaining. Berry expressed gratitude post-race, stating, "I’m just thankful to be here. If I’ve learned anything, it’s you never know when it’s going to be your day."
With thrilling opens to both the FIA Formula 2 and 3 Championships and the backdrop of remarkable performances elsewhere, this motorsport weekend embodies the excitement and unpredictability of racing. With the season now underway, anticipation looms for the next set of races, promising more exhilarating moments and competitive spirit.
