Victor Martins Continues Pursuit of F1 Dream with ART Grand Prix in Third Season of Formula 2
Frenchman Victor Martins, aged 23, embarks on his third season in Formula 2, the feeder series to Formula 1, with the ART Grand Prix team, as announced by the French outfit on Monday.
"I am very happy to continue the adventure with ART Grand Prix. We share a common goal: I will do everything to win the title. I am surrounded by the best people to achieve my ultimate dream, Formula 1," Martins stated on the official F2 website.
Martins, a member of Alpine’s Formula 1 young driver academy, concluded his previous F2 campaign in seventh place after a challenging season that nevertheless yielded a sprint race victory in Barcelona.
"Over the winter, we have worked a lot on all the areas we needed to improve for 2024, and we are now ready to transform these efforts into results on the track. The season starts now and it’s time to focus on the Barcelona tests," he remarked.
In 2023, Martins finished fifth and as the best rookie in the category, a year after claiming the Formula 3 title in 2022. The Frenchman will be partnered by Japanese driver Ritomo Miyata this season.
Martins’ Journey to Formula 1
Victor Martins’ path to Formula 1 has been marked by both success and challenges. He began his racing career in karting, where he won numerous titles in France and Europe. In 2018, he made his single-seater debut in French F4, capturing the championship the following year.
His breakthrough came in 2022 when he clinched the Formula 3 championship, becoming the first French driver to achieve this feat since Esteban Ocon in 2014. Martins’ triumph earned him a spot in Alpine’s young driver academy and propelled him to Formula 2.
Challenges and Triumphs in Formula 2
Martins’ Formula 2 debut in 2021 was a baptism by fire. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the season, and Martins struggled to adapt to the new cars and regulations. He finished the campaign in 17th place without any podium finishes.
Undeterred, Martins returned in 2023 with a renewed determination. He claimed his maiden F2 victory in the Barcelona sprint race and finished the season in fifth place, the highest-placed rookie and the only driver to score points in every race.
Expectations for the 2024 Season
In his third season, Martins has set his sights firmly on the championship title. With the experience and momentum gained over the past two seasons, he believes he has the team and car to challenge for victory.
ART Grand Prix, his current team, boasts an impressive track record in Formula 2, having won the teams’ championship twice in the past five years. The team’s resources and expertise will provide Martins with a strong foundation for success.
Martins acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains confident in his abilities and the team’s support. He is eager to embark on the new season and demonstrate his potential on the track.
The Road to Formula 1
Victory in Formula 2 would significantly enhance Martins’ chances of securing a Formula 1 berth. The series serves as a proving ground for aspiring Formula 1 drivers, with many current F1 stars, such as Charles Leclerc and George Russell, having cut their teeth in F2.
Martins’ membership in the Alpine young driver academy further strengthens his ties to Formula 1. Alpine, the French manufacturer, has a long history in the sport and currently fields a two-car team on the Formula 1 grid.
If Martins continues to impress in Formula 2, he could follow in the footsteps of his academy mentor, Esteban Ocon, who graduated to Formula 1 in 2016 and has since established himself as a respected driver.
As the new Formula 2 season approaches, Victor Martins stands poised to make his mark and take a significant step toward fulfilling his Formula 1 dream. With his talent, determination, and the support of ART Grand Prix, he has the potential to become the next French star to grace the pinnacle of motorsport.
