Following an incredible debut season last year, ART Grand Prix encountered numerous setbacks that put their 2024 F2 Championship campaign off track. While at their pinnacle of success last season, their results quickly suffered; eventually finishing seventh out of eleven entries.
From Champions to Underdogs
ART Grand Prix’s unexpected and swift fall from champion to underdog was sudden and surprising, given racing industry’s notorious unpredictability; fortunes can shift suddenly between seasons. After winning both Teams’ and Drivers’ titles in 2023, their performance took an abrupt dive the next year due to lineup shifts as well as new car introduction.
Adjusting to New Challenges
The team’s lineup for the 2024 season featured Victor Martins, returning for his second year, and newcomer Zak O’Sullivan, the previous year’s F3 runner-up. Despite their potential and backing from F1 academies, the duo faced uphill battles in securing points, with engine issues and retirements marring their initial races.
A Glimmer of Hope Amid Struggles
Despite a rocky start, the team showed signs of life in select races. Martins managed a commendable comeback in several events, signaling his leadership within the team. An unexpected victory in Monaco by O’Sullivan, followed by another win by Martins in Barcelona, offered brief moments of celebration amidst a challenging season.
Mid-Season Changes and Unforeseen Hurdles
An unexpected twist occurred mid-season when O’Sullivan departed from the team, citing financial difficulties. Luke Browning stepped in as his replacement, facing the daunting task of competing in F2 with no prior experience in the category. Despite these hurdles, the team managed sporadic successes but continued to face consistency issues.
Looking Toward the Future
ART Grand Prix ended their 2024 campaign with their worst finish ever since their establishment, marking a dramatic drop from their championship-winning form just the previous season. This result can be directly attributed to difficulty optimizing performance and adapting to seasonal challenges.
Although 2017 ended on an unduly difficult note for ART Grand Prix, late improvements and individual performances provide cause for optimism for 2018. By learning lessons and setting its sights on future races, ART Grand Prix hopes to regain their position at the forefront of F2 championship and take full advantage of all that they learned during an intense year of F2.