Finale drama sees new F2 champion follow in the footsteps of Leclerc, Russell and Piastri

Gabriel Bortoleto secured the F2 drivers' crown at the Yas Marina Circuit, making it back-to-back titles for the Brazilian.

The 2023 FIA F3 champion finished second place in the feature race of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix support event, whilst rival Isack Hadjar endured a nightmare end to his championship hopes.

The 19-year-old, who lined up one place behind Bortoleto in third, stalled on the line. His Campos team got him running eventually, but already a lap down any chance of overturning the 4.5-point deficit was over.

Meanwhile, Bortoleto follows in the footsteps of Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri by winning the F3 and F2 titles in consecutive years.

The final points standings will show a 22.5 point advantage, but that is not representative of the closeness of the championship fight.

The 20-year-old will hope to replicate their successes as grand prix winners as he heads to F1 for the 2025 season, where he will partner Nico Hulkenberg at Stake.

"It's the best feeling in the world. I cannot explain what I'm feeling right now is just so much adrenaline, so much happiness...," Bortoleto said after getting out of his car. "I'm not thinking right now, I'm on another planet.

"I couldn't ask for more. When you think about the dream career before getting to F1, I achieved everything I wanted to.

"I won F3 in a rookie season. I won F2 in a rookie season, and now I have a seat for next year. So for me, it's the best feeling ever... I'm part of this game, but I'm not all of it. I'm a small percentage of this achievement."