F2 Drivers Who Can Progress into Formula One

The FIA Formula 2 championship is largely viewed as the feeder series for older sibling, Formula One. In fact, a few of the rookies this season, have graduated to the top tier of motorsport. They are, Lando Norris, George Russell and Alexander Albon, for McLaren, Williams and Toro Rosso respectively.

Now, in the 2019 Formula 2 season, there is a new crop of racers who are eager to prove themselves. Currently, Dutch driver Nyck de Vries leads the championship from Nicholas Latifi and Luca Ghiotto. There are also a few drivers who are part of an F1 team’s Young Driver programme. These drivers are essentially being bred to race in Formula On in the near future.

Now, a number of these drivers will be gunning for a Formula One seat and there are a few up for grabs. However, it is a tough world and some drivers may have to wait just that little while longer to move up, so here are the potential candidates

Nicolas Latifi

The Canadian driver is currently 2nd in the F2 championship and is a Williams test driver. A move to the Grove-based team is highly possible and makes plenty of sense for the 24-year old. With Robert Kubica far from his prime, it is highly likely that he will be on his way out. Latifi is also a former Racing Point driver, though a slot there looks very slim, since Sergio Perez is a solid driver and Lance Stroll owns half the team.

Nyck de Vries

F2 championship leader Nyck de Vries had a big choice when he left the McLaren Young Driver programme. The good news was that he is practically a free agent and may be a possible target for Haas. However, he will have competition from the likes of Pietro Fittipaldi and the Ferrari Academy drivers for the seat.

Jack Aitken

British driver Jack Aitken is currently employed by Renault for their own Young Driver programme. He could possibly get a shoe in if Daniel Ricciardo ever decides to jump ship. On the other hand, if Nico Hulkenberg decides to hunt for greener pastures. However, Renault will be fairly keen to retain Hulk and Ricciardo as they are a solid duo.

Luca Ghiotto

Italian driver Luca Ghiotto is another Renault Formula One prospect if either one of their current duo jump ship. However, he will have competition for the seat, by the afore-mentioned Aitken and other Renault Academy drivers. Another couple of threats are Chinese driver, Guanyu Zhou and French driver Anthoine Hubert, also part of the Renault Academy.

Mick Schumacher

Mick Schumacher is undoubtedly one of the biggest names on the list, if not the biggest. It is no secret that he may end up in Ferrari eventually, but will have to rise up the ranks first. This is because, no matter how talented a driver is, a team of Ferrari’s calibre will not allow a rank amateur in one of their cars. They would most likely drop him off at a team like Alfa Romeo and gain experience first. By then, when Sebastian Vettel eventually retires, Schumacher Jr’s star would have risen and he would be ready to tackle the Ferrari.