Jehan Daruvala Scores Sensational Maiden Win In Final F2 Race Of 2020

India's Jehan Daruvala finished his rookie 2020 Formula 2 campaign in spectacular style with his first race win in the final sprint race of the season at Bahrain. It was also a positive end to the season for his Carlin teammate and fellow Red Bull junior driver Yuki Tsunoda, who snatched 2nd on the last lap to make it a Carlin 1-2.

Daruvala momentarily held on to his 2nd place grid slot at the start, before getting passed by eventual Formula 2 champion Mick Schumacher in the opening laps. Schumacher flat-spotted his tyres, however, and struggled to hold the position. Daruvala took back second place on lap 9 of the 34 lap sprint race. 

He then immediately set off after race leader Dan Ticktum. What ensued next was an intense 12 lap-long fight for the lead, with both drivers fighting tooth and nail.  Daruvala got the better of Ticktum at the final corner on lap 25 to take the lead. 

It was then a relatively smooth run for Daruvala throughout the remaining nine laps of the sprint race to cross the chequered flag and take his first win in Formula 2. It also marks his second visit to the podium since last week’s feature race.

Overall, it was the best possible way for Jehan Daruvala to finish his rookie Formula 2 campaign and finish 12th overall in the driver’s standings. As things stand, there’s no word on which team Daruvala will compete in for the 2021 Formula 2 season, but this result should certainly boost the Indian driver’s chances of a race seat.